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SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



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LYNCHBURG. 



BY THE OLDEST INHABITANT. 






_._! 
<>*' 



''/ of Wash\^^° 



■ EICHMOND: 

C. H. WYNNE, PUBLISHER 
1S58- 



7 






^ - \ 



A 



(Dlbtst Inljabitants of ITgnxblmrg, 

AND TO 

THE DESCENDANTS 

or THOSE WHOSE NAMES 

ARE IN THESE SKETCHES RECORDED, 

NOW RESIDENT IN THAT PLACE, 

AS WELL AS 

THOSE SCATTERED OVER THE UNITED STATES, 
THIS LITTLE VOLUME 
IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY 



Vi 



INTRODUCTION. 



"The following sketches are cherished memories of 
the past, penned during the "winter of 1857, to interest 
and amuse a young household," and thereby bring 
them acquainted with the just and good of former 
times. Whilst to render morality and religion attrac- 
tive, we must introduce them in a fiction, how prone 
are we to pass by the holy, exemplary lives of those 
in our midst, many of whom have passed away, leaving 
no monuments, save those tenderly engraven on warm, 
loving hearts; and now, like old Mortality, we would, 
with the few survivors mentioned, wander awhile amidst 
the grave yards of Memory, drawing aside the long 
grass, obscuring these records, and brightening those 
hidden inscriptions of the heart, over which the moul- 
dering hand of Time has partially spread the moss of 
forgetfulness. 

In the course of the succeeding pages, should in- 
accuracies in dates, or any mis-statements, occur, the 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

writer desires to be exonerated from any intention 
to state what is not strictly true, as, excepting in 
a few instances, her own memory has been solely re- 
lied on for dates; and many of the impressions having 
been imbibed in "the earliest stages of childhood, even if 
literally true, may naturally be somewhat vague and 
shadowy. Nor is it expected that those whose names 
are here recorded were the only good persons living in 
Lynchburg : we doubt not but that there were more 
than enough to fill another volume; but with nearly 
all mentioned in the sketches, a personal acquaintance, 
and in many instances a warm friendship, existed. In 
the year 1819, the matrons of Lynchburg, were, many 
of them, peculiarly lovely in their walk and conversa- 
tion. Those who had attained middle age, having passed 
their childhood immediately succeeding the years of 
our Revolutionary war, of course had early acquired 
habits of self-denial and simplicity, now worthy of imi- 
tation. The slow modes of travel did not, as now, 
facilitate the ever-changing novelties of costume and 
furniture ; so that, in those fruitful sources of disquiet, 
there existed, at this time, no rivalry. 

Considering that Lynchburg is as justly entitled, to 
a memorial as ^H^elford Regis, and Our Village," of 
Miss MiTFORD, yet, as we pass by the old familiar 
places, now inhabited by strangers, we would fain, like 



INTRODUCTION. VU 

Trevilliaiij in the "Pilgrims of the Rhine'' weave a 
romantic story of requited love, long life, and happi- 
ness; but, alas! the history of the past is too painfully 
written in broken households, and lonely burying- 
grounds, and it is hither we must come to learn that 
the death, as well as the life of the good, is fraught 
with Heavenly teachings. 

"For who to dumb Forgetfulness a prey, 
This pleasing anxious being e'er resigned, 
Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, 
Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. 

On some fond breast the parting soul relies. 
Some pious drops, the closing eye requires; 

Even from the tomb the voice of Nature cries, 
Even in our ashes, live our wonted fires." 



Mtlp itnir lltwUedtffits of f gitcljhtrg. 



-ISH^ 



THE LYNCH FAMILY. 

"The family of John Lynch, Col. Charles Lynch, 
and all the other Lynches of that family, took np a 
tract of land on James River, within view of the cele- 
brated Peaks of Otter, and the mountainous scenery. 
After his decease the tract of land, now the site of 
Lynchburg, became the property of his son John Lynch, 
who established the ferry over James river. It was his 
brother, Charles Lynch, who originated and enacted, 
practically, the celebrated code called ' Lynch Law.' 
Col. Charles Lynch was an ofl&cer in the army of the 
American Revolution. His residence was on Staunton 
River, a branch of the old Roanoke, that ran through 
' my plantation,' as John Randolph was in the habit of 
speechifying. It is now owned by his grandson. During 
the Revolutionary war, the country on James river and 
on the Roanoke, about the Blue Ridge and mountain 
passes, was harassed by a lawless band of Tories and 
desperadoes, and their depredations at one time extended 
into the regions round about Lynchburg. The case 



10 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

required a species of operation adapted to cure the evil. 
Col. Lynch was a resolute^ determined man, of elevated 
patriotic principles and a staunch AVhig, as was all the 
Lynch family. He organized and took the lead of a 
strong body of determined patriots — men of moral cha- 
racter and commanding influence, and scoured the 
country night and day. They took many of the des- 
peradoes, gave them a summary trial, at which Col. 
Lynch sat as judge; empanneled a jury, and, on con- 
viction, executed the punishment in a prompt manner. 
The villains were permitted to defend themselves, and 
to show mitigating circumstances, and when punished 
to clear out. Many well-meaning persons are frightened 
at the name of Lynch law, without knowing its history, 
code or appliance. It is a better term, and has a more 
orderly and civilized aspect, than Squatter Sovereignty. 
It requires proof positive and circumstantial, such as 
would produce conviction of guilt in a candid and honest 
mind. Col. Lynch raised a regiment of riflemen, after 
he had officiated as judge, in relieving the country from 
Tories, thieves and murderers. He was present at the 
battle of Guilford Courthouse, where he behaved with 
great gallantry. He died soon after the war. Charles 
Lynch, Esq., afterwards Governor of Mississippi, was 
his son.'' — St. Louis Republican. 

Charles Lynch, the ancestor of the Lynch 
family of America, left the north of Ireland* 

* Honorable mention is made by Shiel, in his " Sketches of 
the Irish Bar," of one of the Lynch family, who was a member 
of that bar. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 11 

•when a boy, and came to the Colony of Virginia in 
the early part of the last century. The immediate 
cause which actuated him, is said to have been a 
punishment which he received at school. Meeting 
soon thereafter with the captain of a ship, which 
was on the eve of sailing for North America, young 
Lynch was easily persuaded to avail himself of an 
opportunity of embarking on the broad wave of 
the Atlantic, in quest of a far distant home in the 
western world. The ship in which he took passage 
was but a short distance from port, when young 
Lynch, relenting, actually plunged into the sea, and 
made for the land ; he was, however, taken up, and 
the vessel resumed her course. It has been stated 
in the extract from the St. Louis Republican, that 
Mr. Lynch took up a large body of land on James 
river, in sight of the Peaks of Otter. He made 
his home and residence at Chesnut Hill, just below 
Lynchburg ; which place was afterwards owned by 
Judge Edmond Winston. Mr. Lynch was said to 
possess, naturally, pleasing and graceful manners. 
He married, when young, a Miss Clark,* a young 

* It may not be altogether uninteresting to some to relate 
a little incident in connection with this lady, and three other 
sisters, married about the same time. Each of these sisters 
received, on their marriage, half dozen silver spoons. As may 
be imagined, silver spoons were rare articles in the British 
Colonies. One of these spoons has descended, and is now in 
the possession of one of the family, who keeps it as a precious 
relic of the past. 



12 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

lady belonging to a wealthy and influential family. 
Mr. Lynch represented the counties of Campbell 
and Bedford in the House of Burgesses, which then 
sat at Williamsburg, and he was elected to this 
honorable office without his knowledge. Soon after 
his death, on the division of his property, his son 
John became heir to the spot on which stands 
Lynchburg, and by him it was vested in the hands 
of trustees, to be laid off in lots for the erection of 
a town. 

John Lynch, founder of the city of Lynchburg, 
was a member of the Society of Friends, whose 
peculiar doctrines and tenets were beautifully ex- 
emplified in his life. Naturally ardent and impetu- 
ous in his temperament, by constant spiritual com- 
munion with God, and by placing always before 
him as a model the high and holy character of 
Christ, he had succeeded in conquering every dis- 
position save what was in perfect harmony with the 
character of a Christian. 

By those who knew him, John Lynch was loved 
and reverenced for his exemplary life, but he rigid- 
ly scanned and judged himself — depreciating those 
very actions for which he was commended by others. 
So conscientious was he, that in matters of contro- 
versy he was prone to look upon himself as the 
aggressor. It is related by one who knew him well, 
that once upon an occasion, drawn unexpectedly 
into a controversy, and encountering from his 



OF LYNCHBURG. 13 

adversary exceedingly irritating and provoking 
remarks, Mr. Lynch was led on to say more tlian 
he intended, expressing himself with a considerahle 
degree of warmth. After his return home, he felt 
unhappy and dissatisfied with himself, so that even 
secret communion with the High and Holy One 
could not restore his peace and tranquility. The 
following morning, continuing dejected, he retired 
to read and meditate, hut he was interrupted by a 
member of his family, who came to tell him that 

Mr. was in the parlor desiring to see him. This 

gentleman had on the day previous been the antago- 
nist of Mr. Lynch, and he now came to ask pardon 
for the language he had used towards him. Mr. 
Lynch cordially tendered him his hand, ingenuously 
telling him he considered himself the aggressor. 
This venerable man lived to see the town which he 
had founded flourish and increase in size and popu- 
lation. He died at an advanced age, on the 31st 
October, 1821. His widow survived him, and con- 
tinued to reside for many years in the old family 
mansion, now occupied by Alexander Liggatt, Esq. 
The following obituary appeared in " The Press," 
then edited by John Hampden Pleasants, and was 
written by his friend and relative, the late Christo- 
pher Anthony, Esq., and is so appropriate that we 
insert it entire : 

" Departed this life, after a lingering illness, which he 
bore with unexampled fortitude, John Lynch, Sen'r, the 

2 



14 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

patentee and former proprietor of tlie lands upon wliicli 
the city of Lynchburg was built. It is very much the 
custom of the living to bestow praises upon the dead. 
This error, if it be one, has its origin in christian charity, 
and is therefore entitled to much indulgence. The writer 
of this does not design it as a panegyric on the character 
of Mr. Lynch; it is a feeble effort to do justice to his 
memory. He was a zealous and pious member of the 
Society of Friends, and, although laboring for the last 
fifty years of his life under a pulmonary complaint, 
which rendered him extremely weak and feeble in body, 
he was nevertheless active and prompt in the discharge 
of the various duties of husband, father and friend. He 
possessed a mind of the first order — a mind unimpaired 
by disease or old age, until a very short time before his 
death ', and a fortitude and firmness of character seldom 
equalled. He lived to see those lands which he acquired 
for little more than the fees and expenses of location, 
advance in value, so as to constitute immense fortunes 
for all his descendants. He witnessed the rise and pro- 
gress of the town of Lynchburg, from laying the first 
corner-stone — in fact, from the period when the site was 
a howling wilderness — to its present size and grandeur ; 
and such was the veneration which the inhabitants of 
the town entertained for him, that he might bo regarded 
as standing amongst them very much in the light of one 
of the patriarchs of old. Few measures of a general 
nature were set on foot without consulting him, and he 
was always found a zealous promoter of whatever tended 
to advance the general good. Amongst other traits of 
character in this excellent man, those of charity and 



OP LYNCHBtJRa. 15 

benevolence were very conspicuous. To tlie poor, his 
doors were ever open. * Large was his bounty and his 
soul sincere/ But, alas ! ^ the places that have known 
him shall know him no more.' He has ' fought the good 
fight, he has kept the 'faith,' and hath, no doubt, ascend- 
ed into another and a better world, where is laid up for 
him a crown of immortal glory. 'Oft he fought and 
oft obtained fresh triumphs over himself; and never- 
withering wreaths, compared with which the laurels 
that a Caesar reaps are weeds.' '' 

With the name of Lynch are associated recollec- 
tions of the most grateful and pleasing interest, 
and to give complete memoirs of many of this most 
excellent family would be a task in every way grati- 
fying. What a host of recollections move before us ! 
filling the heart with vivid scenes of the past ; and, 
as if touched by some mighty unseen power, the 
burial places of memory give up the dead, and loved 
and venerated forms surround us, in the back-ground 
appearing the aristocratic form and contemplative 
face of Anselm Lynch, of Staunton river, and by 
him the stalwart form of Staunton John Lynch, his 
brother, with mighty stature and brave heart, united 
to a nature as tender and gentle as that of a loving 
"woman. These two last were sons of Charles 
Lynch, of Staunton, who was the originator of 
Lynch law. Anselm Lynch married Miss Miller, 
of Lynchburg, a daughter of one of the oldest and 
most worthy of the first settlers. Of the members 



16 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

of Ills family ^vlio survive him, are Mrs. M. A. 
Bearing, of Campbell county, and Charles Henry 
Lynch, Esq., an esteemed citizen of Lynchburg. 
Susan Lynch, the second daughter, died many years 
since, at the country seat of her brother, on Staun- 
ton river. She was a young lady of great worth 
and excellence, and a few lines extracted from a 
notice which appeared at the time of her decease, 
will show the estimation in which she was held : 

*^To a close and vigorous intellect the deceased added 
an imagination sprightly and chaste. Her heart wag 
benevolent, kind, generous and pure. Her frank and 
engaging manners, and great goodness of heart, warmed 
acquaintances into friends and made her an acknowledged 
favorite with all who knew her. She was a bright and 
happy illustration of most that is attractive, interesting 
or useful in the female character. Her family have sus- 
tained in her death, a loss most deeply irreparable. It 
was in her intercourse with them, that her cheerfulness, 
good temper, tenderness, thoughtful kindness and affec- 
tion, gave touching sweetness to her character, and created 
for her a love which few can inspire, and none who has 
felt it can forget.'' 

John Lynch, of Staunton River, was married in 
early life to Miss Terrel, and when past middle life 
they emigrated to West Tennessee, where they both 
died some years since. Their descendants surviving 
them continue to reside in the vicinity of Jackson, 
Tennessee. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 17 

Capt. John Lynch died in 1840, in the seventy- 
third year of his age. The following notice of this 
most excellent man, appeared at the time of his 
decease in a Tennessee paper, and it does him no 
more than justice: 

"Died, at his residence in this county, Capt. John 
Lynch, in the 73rd year of his age. Capt. Lynch was 
a native of Virginia ; for many years a citizen of Lynch- 
burg, and his old friends in that place would scarcely 
recognise this as a notice of a man they once knew, were 
we to omit a passing tribute to his sterling integrity, his 
warm philanthropy, and the primitive simplicity of his 
manners and deportment. His early associations were 
with the Society of Friends, which doubtless served to 
mould the character so much admired and respected 
wherever he has lived. Capt. Lynch's father was 
a worthy Quaker, and soldier of the Kevolution, — 
having commanded the cavalry at the battle of Guilford; 
was dismissed from his peace-abiding congregation be- 
cause a strong sense of duty to his suffering and strug- 
gling country impelled him to bear arms in her defence. 
Such a sentiment, transmitted to his son, may have re- 
strained him from connection with that worthy sect of 
Christians to whom he was strongly assimilated by the 
purity of his life, the sobriety of his manners, modera- 
tion of his desires, and the marked kindness of his 
deportment to every human being who came within the 
range of his benevolence. To the members of his family, 
who have so long profited by his excellent precepts and 
enjoyed the benignant smiles of this venerable patriarch, 



18 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

we would offer our sincere condolence ; and to his whole 
circle of acquaintances, we would offer the life and cha- 
racter of Capt. John Lynch, as the best model for their 
imitation/' 

Edward Lynch, eldest son of the founder of 
Lynchburg, was also a member of the Society of 
Friends. Possessing a strong and vigorous mind, 
fine personal appearance, combined with manners 
most winning, he acquired in society an influence 
not easily lost. In person he bore a striking re- 
semblance to the late judge William H. Cabell, of 
the Court of Appeals, displaying, too, like this 
eminent jurist, all those genuine, kindly feelings of 
the heart, which so aid in forming those high-toned 
manners of the Virginia gentleman. Edward Lynch 
was blessed with a hopeful, cheerful disposition; 
passing through various alternations of fortune, he 
has manifested through life these traits, preserving, 
in the midst of adverse storms, a tranquil heart 
and serene countenance. In early youth he was 
united in marriage to Mary Terrel, an elegant and 
queenly personage, and, without exception, the most 
beautiful woman ever seen in Lynchburg. In her 
youth, she was surpassingly lovely ; in her middle 
age, she was beautiful ; and it is told, that, even 
after death, the exquisite loveliness of her youth 
remained. She was the mother of eight children,* 

* Mrs. Charles Withers and Mrs. Dr. Pretlow, of Covington, 
Kentucky; Mrs. Winston, Charles E. Lynch, and the Misses 



OF LYNCHBURG. 19 

seven of whom still survive her, and several of her 
daughters, inheriting the beauty of their mother. 

About thirty-eight years since, Zalinda, the 
oldest, was married, by Friends' ceremony, to Na- 
thaniel Winston. The family had just the day 
before moved into their new residence, the house 
now occupied by Col. Maurice Langhorne ; and the 
writer, though not five years old, distinctly remem- 
bers the appearance of the beautiful young bride, 
and the large procession formed from her father's 
house to the Quaker meeting-house. This day is 
memorable in Lynchburg, on account of the most 
terrific storm ever witnessed. The tempest prevailed 
for some hours with unabated fury, and so suddenly 
was the atmosphere darkened, that, at two o'clock, 
candles were lighted throughout those spacious 
apartments, in which were assembled the bridal 
party ; and, if memory does not deceive me, it was 
on the afternoon of this day, that the young son of 
Mrs. Mary Brown met with a tragic death. He 
was crossing the street to his mother's residence, 
when a violent whirlwind of dust prevented him 
seeing a loaded wagon which drove over him, 
causing his instant death. 

The family of Edward Lynch emigrated about 
twenty-three years since to Ohio, where Mrs. Mary 

Lynch, of Waynesville, Ohio ; and Dr. Micajah T. Lynch, of 
Ptichmond, Virginia, are the members of the family of Edward 
B. Lynch. 



20 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Lynch died in 1855. Her venerable husband sur- 
vives her, happily surrounded by the greater part 
of his family, who reside near him, in Ohio and 
Kentucky. 

Of all this large family,* Mrs. Alexander Liggat 
is, "with the exception of Edward Lynch, the only 
surviving member. What a mournful retrospection, 
to look back on the bright, hopeful faces which en- 
circled the family hearth, and to find their places 
vacant ! — the lovely Hannah, fading in early 
womanhood; the frank, cheerful Micajah, just 
embarked on life's voyage ; the amiable Anselm, 
the young son John,t the inheritor of his father's 
venerated name ; but on none of this family does 
more tender, romantic and mournful interest linger, 
than on William and Jane Lynch. 

William Lynch was one of the younger sonsf 
of the founder of the city. In early life, he had 
sought and married the lovely Jane Humphreys, 



* Of John Lynch, the founder of Lynchburg. 

f His tragic death is mournfully remembered by the oldest 
inhabitants. 

J Micajah Lynch served his country in the late Tfar, being 
stationed at Norfolk. He married Ann, the daughter of Jas. C. 
Moorman, and they survived their marriage only a few years. 
William Lynch was a colonel in the late war, and Avas stationed 
at Camp Holly. His regiment was remarkable for its perfect 
drill. The life-like portraits of these two brothers are to be 
seen at the country residence of Miss S. L. Davis, near 
Lynchburg. 



OF LYNCHBURa. 21 

second daughter of Dr. Humphreys of that place. 
To gratify the taste of her husband, she adopted 
the Quaker garb in all its beautiful simplicity, and 
a more captivating personage than Jane Lynch 
could not be found in our town. The young hus- 
band and wife together trod smoothly the path of 
life, blest with a lovely boy, their only child ; gifted 
with wealth and happy in mutual affection, where 
could be a brighter prospect or more unclouded fu- 
ture ? Preferring retirement and the quiet of do- 
mestic life, they built a modest dwelling just over- 
hanging our ivy cliiF, where they passed their lives 
in innocent and rational pursuits ; Jane busied with 
her maidens in domestic manufactures, while Wil- 
liam was occupied with his farming pursuits. But, 
alas ! a dark cloud appearing, dissipated in a short 
time their tranquil happiness. William Lynch was 
seized with the incipient symptoms of consumption, 
and although the disease did not then, as now, 
carry off its victim in the course of a few months, 
yet from year to year his life was prolonged as by 
a miracle ; and to add to the gloom already sur- 
rounding them, the health of Jane began to decline, 
the bright spot on her cheek too surely evincing 
that she, too, was marked out for an early grave. 
The skill of medicine, the tenderness of friends 
and relatives availed nought ; and finding death for 
them both inevitable and near at hand, their only 
remaining desire was that they might depart at the 



22 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

same time, and together pass through the dark val- 
ley of the shadow of Death ; but this being denied 
them, the grief of the survivor was stilled by the 
hope of a speedy re-union in Heaven. 

In a brief time their habitation was left desolate, 
and their orphan boy was removed to the home of 
his father's kindred. He was a bright, happy 
child; rejoicing in life, unconscious of the loss sus- 
tained by himself, caring nought, as yet, for the 
abundant wealth lavished on him, and ignorant 
that, along with it, he inherited a fearful legacy. 
As he grew up, he became aware that his parents 
had died of consumption, and this knowledge caused 
him much unhappiness. Convinced that he, too, 
would become a victim of that disease, he deter- 
mined to grapple with the destroyer, and if possible 
avert the fate overhanging him. Being placed as a 
student at the University of Virginia, he left that 
place, his friends remaining ignorant of his plans 
and intentions. For a long time, his fate was in- 
volved in doubt ; his friends fearing that with all of 
the ship's crew he had gone down to a watery 
grave. But an American vessel touching at one of 
the South Sea Islands, young Lynch was seen and 
recognized by one of the officers, who brought tid- 
ings of him to his friends in America. He was a 
captive in the Islands, condemned by his master to 
strike in a blacksmith's shop. But this very cir- 
cumstance wrought for him the blessing for which 



OF LYNCHBURG. 23 

he would have exchanged all his wealth. The con- 
stant exercise of the muscles of the chest, brought 
about a healthy action of the lungs, and he believed 
himself entirely free from any predisposition to 
consumption. In a few years he returned to his 
native land.'*' Buoyant with health and cheerful- 
ness, he mingled in society, admired for the graces 
of his mind and person and invested with romance 
from the circumstances attending his voyage. Be- 
coming deeply attached to one of the loveliest girls 
in Lynchburg, he met with a severe disappointment 
in failing to secure in return her affections. In a 
very short time afterwards, this sweet girl was sud- 
denly removed, and during the great depression of 
spirits after this sorrow, the symptoms of consump- 
tion revealed themselves. He hastened to a warmer 
climate ; but the disease advanced with great ra- 
pidity, and he only returned to Lynchburg to 
breathe his last, and to be laid quietly to rest in 
the old Quaker burying ground. 

* This gifted and generous young man inherited, from his 
mother, more than twenty valuable servants. On Christmas 
morning after his return, they all went to him to ask for a 
Christmas gift; he told them, he gave them themselves; and he 
not only liberated them, but provided the means for sending 
them to Liberia. 



24 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



QUAKERISM IN LYNCHBURG. 

" True Quakerism (which is true Christianity) stands 
distinguished from every other religion in this partic- 
ular — that it is altogether spiritual, and only aims at 
accomplishing effects by means of their causes. Thus, 
it never aims at making the creature affectionate, but by 
means of love ; nor merciful, but by means of mercy ; 
nor good, but by means of goodness. And herein it de- 
monstrates its origin to be from the fountain of Divine 
wisdom; for, through all nature and creatures, this is 
the method of God's proceeding.'^ 

Edward Stabler. 

Thirty-eight years since, Lynchburg was the 
abode of many of the disciples of Fox and Penn. 
Passing along the streets, you would not unfre- 
quently meet reverend looking gentlemen in curved 
coats and broad-brimmed hats ; gentle matrons in 
sad colored dresses and coal-scuttle bonnets, and 
occasionally the sweet face of a young Quakeress, 
rendered still more lovely from the severity of the 
dress and bonnet. The Society worshiped every 
Sunday and Thursday at the ancient stone meeting- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 25 

house, a few miles from Lynchburg, and the car- 
riages then used exclusively by Friends were pre- 
cisely like the fashionable ones of the present day, 
hung low, with the driver's seat somewhat under 
the roof of the carriage. At their solitary place 
of worship everything tended to promote solemnity ; 
the remoteness from the habitations of man, the 
burying-ground attached, the profound stillness, 
uninterrupted, save by the song of the wild bird 
in Spring, and the fall of the eddying leaf in Au- 
tumn, the grave faces of the silent worshipers — 
all these impressed with awe even the most 
worldly, and with hearts softened and attuned to 
the praise of God, even the hum of bees, the sound 
of the mosquito, and the distant whoop of the whip- 
poor-will, heard even in the day from these deep 
shady valleys, were like a dirge or requiem calling 
their thoughts from earth. 

It was here, in solemn communion with God, that 
these silent worshipers obtained grace and strength, 
to aid in time of need. When on again returning 
to the active duties of life, the worldling might 
express wonder to see the Quaker pass calmly on, 
regardless of the stormy, boisterous battle of life 
around him, finding all things bearable, if not pleas- 
ant, and carrying about him a defence more avail- 
able than one of Colt's revolvers. Whence was it 
that no one raised his hand or voice against a Qua- 
ker ? It was that they followed the golden rule, 
3 



26 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

and pursued in its broadest sense our Saviour's pre- 
cept, "Love your enemies." They were stout- 
hearted, brave men, yet they discountenanced war ; 
they governed well themselves, avoiding angry dis- 
putes and contentions ; they wronged no man ; they 
gave no offence in any way, and as a natural conse- 
quence, peace and tranquillity were the result. 

Quakerism exists now in Lynchburg only in name ; 
the meeting-house is deserted, and no longer within 
its sacred walls assemble the Lynches, the Davises, 
the Johnsons, the Powells, the Cadwalladers, the 
Douglasses of former times ; and rarely is met one 
now wearing the Quaker garb, or speaking the plain 
language, so sweet and beautiful, from the lips of 
those we love. The entire absence of form and 
ceremonial has doubtless been the cause of the de- 
cay of a system embodying so much that is pure 
and holy in the religion of Christ. 

The most venerable member of their Society, at 
.this time, was William Davis, Sr. He was a man 
of great worth and purity, and, together with his 
family, was a constant worshiper at the Quakers' 
meeting-house. He lived to a great age, and at the 
time of his death he was considered the patriarch 
of the town. His remains are interred in the bury- 
ing ground attached to the church. His vene- 
rable wife survived him many years, her lonely 
pilgrimage cheered by the attentions of a devoted 
family. 



OP LYNCHBUKG. 2T 

Amongst those who worshiped in this forest 
sanctuary was Mrs. Richard Tyree. Her maiden 
name was Douglas, and she was a niece of Mrs. 
Edward Lynch, whom she resembled in personal 
appearance. She had been united in marriage 
when very young to Richard Tyree, Esq., of Lynch- 
burg, whom she still survives, and resides in Lynch- 
burg amongst her devoted children.* For some 
years she has been afflicted with blindness, and 

*' With wisdom at one entrance quite sliut out," 

she must feel the advantage of that self-discipline 
which was taught her in her youth, and doubtless 
the inner spiritual light now illumines her soul, 
gilding with its rays the evening of her well-spent 
life. 

About the year 1819, Charles Fisher, an Eng- 
lish Friend, was the beloved instructor of all the 
children belonging to Quaker families in Lynchburg 
and its vicinity. Of most prepossessing appear- 
ance, and gifted in an extraordinary degree with 
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, Charles 
Fisher passed through all the trying scenes incident 
to school-keeping, without once losing his temper, 
though exceedingly delicate in his physical organi- 



^ This excellent lady died during the past summer, since tho 
above yras written. 



28 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

zation, and highly nervous in his temperament. 
Happy was the little band of Quaker children un- 
der his mild reign. A sudden close occurred to his 
labors in Lynchburg, and we were forever deprived 
of the services of our faithful teacher. 

On Friday evening, Charles called on William 
Rohr to recite his lesson. Rohr was one of the 
largest boys in school, and being very refractory 
and insolent about his recitation, he was mildly rep- 
rimanded by Friend Fisher. William Rohr reply- 
ing very passionately, Fisher took hold of his arm, 
upon which the broad-shouldered pupil returned the 
compliment, carrying the school-master round and 
round the room, and performing a series of evolu- 
tions that would have astonished a dancing-master, 
inflicting at the same time a series of thumps and 
blows on the beautiful white forehead of Charles 
Fisher. Campbell, the poet, witnessed the battle of 
Hohenlinden, and has thrillingly embodied his feel- 
ings in the animated poem of Hohenlinden ; yet I 
doubt whether that fearfully sublime scene inspired 
the poet with half the awe, terror, and emotion felt 
by the alarmed and agitated band of children who 
cowered around the room. Friend Fisher took his 
seat much exhausted after the contest, and to the 
surprise and sorrow of the pupils, he stated that it 
was necessary for him to abandon his school, but 
that he had provided a successor whom he hoped 
we should esteem. That successor was K. B. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 29 

Townlej, -who continued to occupy his post as 
teacher for many years in Lynchburg. 

In those days traveling Friends were appointed by 
the Society to make tours of the States, calling as 
they passed along on all Quaker families, and on all 
connected with the denomination. Strange as may 
appear the idea of a French Quaker preacher, it is 
true that an eminent one of that nation traveled 
through Virginia in company with two female 
friends. His name was Stephen Grillet, and one 
of the ladies was called Margaret Judge, a very 
beautiful and pious woman. On the occasion of a 
visit to our residence, the younger members of the 
family were permitted to be present with the older 
ones. When the Spirit moved him, Stephen Grillet 
spoke feelingly and appropriately, with only a slight 
foreign accent. He was followed by Margaret 
Judge, who addressed us in a strain so fervid and 
eloquent, so true, simple and solemn, that many of 
her words still remain deeply engraven on the 
memory of those who listened. 

William Davis, junior, with his noble face and 
manly form, is now present to memory. How many 
in Lynchburg can remember with admiration his 
fine, clear, brown complexion and honest benevo- 
lent face — a true specimen of a refined Quaker. 
He was a native of Bedford county, and, amongst 
all the male members of the society, none were so 



80 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

attractive as William Davis, Jr. ; a worthy follower 
of Ellwood and Barclay, without the obstinate 
opinionativeness of the former, and exempt from 
the superstition of the latter, he adorned the doc- 
trine of God his Saviour, pursuing through life that 
calm, quiet course, so conducive to the happiness 
of those with him associated, and, doubtless, bring- 
ing to himself peace at the solemn hour of death. 
He had married, in early life, Zalinda, the 
daughter of John Lynch, and, surviving her many 
years, he had the additional calamity of becoming 
totally blind. A small profile likeness of him, 
taken by his grandson, depicts beautifully his per- 
fect cast of face and feature. His only son, John 
Davis, a young man of fine promise, died many 
years since; and of his two excellent daughters, 
Sarah, the oldest, alone survives ; and to her was 
accorded the dear privilege of soothing and com- 
forting the declining years of her venerable father. 
She can only now look back, with sweet, though 
mournful recollection, to those quiet, happy days, 
passed at the dear old homestead, whose floors are 
no longer trodden by familiar feet.* 



* Since this was penned, this lady has returned to live at 
the old country residence. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 31 



" There was an air of peace about her which was irre- 
sistible, in seducing all with whom she conversed, under 
her gentle influence. This was the eff"ect upon strangers, 
and in no degree was it abated by the closest intimacy/' 
(^Sir Thomas Fowel Buxton's description of his sister- 
in-law, Priscilla GurneyJ') 

Who is there among us that can ever forget 
Mary Annis, the lovely Quakeress — the "bonny 
gem" in the Society of Friends. Highly endowed, 
both personally and mentally, she was tenderly be- 
loved in a large circle of friends and relatives. 
Reared in the doctrines of Quakerism, which are 
opposed to every kind, of music, her voice was so 
sweet that, even in conversation, it was melody, 
and sweetly she sang the simple, beautiful songs of 
Burns, because music was natural to her. 

It was said that Mary Annis had refused the 
hand of every young Quaker in Virginia ; and it 
was known that she had rejected many suitors, 
unconnected with that society, so that it was sur- 
mised that she had determined never to marry; 
and calmly and happily, as yet, passed her life in 
the cultivation of her mind and in the peaceful per- 
formance of all those sweet duties which pertain to 
the sister and daughter. 

It was the custom of William Davis to attend, 
with his family, the yearly meeting of Friends, 



32 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

then held in Alexandria ; and during one of these 
visits, they sojourned at the house of Edward 
Stabler, an eminent member of the Society of 
Friends, and one of the most eloquent preachers * 
of that denomination. He was a man of the high- 
est order of intellect, possessing all those lovely 
traits which adorn the Christian Minister. Greatly 
beloved in the family circle, and revered by a large 
acquaintance and connection, his household was 
often the scene of a large concourse of young and 
old, who would assemble to hear him speak on re- 
ligious subjects, and discourse eloquently on Scrip- 
ture passages. 

It was during this visit that an acquaintance was 
formed between Mary Annis and Robinson, a son 
of Edward Stabler;^ After their return to Lynch- 
burg, the acquaintance was renewed, and frequent 
visits from the young member of Friends' Society 
resulted, early in the month of November, 1828, in 
a marriage, by Friends' ceremony, at the Quaker 
meeting-he use. Besides the invited guests, a large 
concourse went out from town to witness the cere- 
mony — so touching from its simplicity, and so 
deeply interesting from the romance with which 
the principal actors were invested. Widely differ- 
ent was the scene in this secluded spot, from a 



* See deeply interesting Life of E. Stabler, by his son, "Wil- 
liam Stabler. 



01^ LlfNCSSURCJ. 33 

fashionable Quaker marriage, the description of 
which has recently appeared in the public prints ; 
and, amongst the large concourse then assembled, 
there was probably not one who did not feel, min- 
gled with curiosity, a thrill of tender emotion, 
on witnessing that beloved Quakeress take on her 
the sacred vows of a wife. A bunch of Autumn's 
latest, fairest flowers rested on the folds of crape^ 
which beautifully encircled her neck — the quick 
beating of her gentle heart alone displayed by the 
motion of these flowers, and by a slight tremor in 
the tones of her silvery voice, as she pronounced 
these vows. 

A few brief, happy years passed, and many who 
then went with this bridal party were again assem- 
bled and sat within the walls of the old church. 
The friends, sister and parents were there. The 
young husband was there, but he sat alone ; his 
head bowed ; his countenance no longer wearing 
the joyous, happy expression of the former time. 
The bridal robes of the wife had been exchanged 
for the vesture of the grave, and friends and rela- 
tives now accompanied her remains, to lay them in 
the old church-yard by the side of her kindred. 



34 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 



MRS. HENRY DAVIS. 

*'IIer parents held the Quaker rule, 
Which doth the human feeling cool, 
But she was trained in Nature's school, 
Nature had blest her." 

Charles Lamb. 

Mrs. Sally Davis, wife of Henry Davis, Esq., 
was a native of Bedford county, and a sister to 
the late Christopher Anthony, whom she greatly 
resembled in those shining qualities for which he 
was so eminent. Reared and educated, like her 
brother, in the pure, lovely, spiritual doctrines of 
Quakerism, she carried with her, through life, all 
those beautiful traits so naturally fostered in a well 
ordered mind, by habits of self-discipline, early 
acquired from the example of those around her, as 
well as by constant intercourse with a large circle 
of friends and relatives, worshiping in the Society 
of Friends. 

In the beauty of early womanhood, she was mar- 
ried to Henry Davis of Lynchburg. Removing 
to that place, and residing on Rank square, she 
brought with her to the town many simple primi- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 85 

tive habits of the country, carrying on domestic 
manufactures for amusement and employment, tak- 
ing great delight in such pursuits ; so that, on en- 
tering her more retired apartments, a visitor might 
almost imagine herself in the country, instead of 
being in the midst of a noisy, busy town. 

Mrs. Davis possessed a peculiar talent for ren- 
dering domestic life happy, as well as for acquiring 
a great influence over the young. This was not 
effected by blind indulgence, but by interesting and 
occupying them in useful pursuits. She pursued 
this plan, not only with her own family, but with 
the children of relatives, temporarily under her 
care. The good and pious Bishop White attributes 
his success and eminence in after life to his mother, 
from the circumstance of her keeping him, whilst 
young, interested and occupied in useful pursuits, 
producing thereby a tranquilizing and sedative 
effect on his mind, and keeping thus at bay wander- 
ing idle thoughts. To the same circumstance may 
probably be traced the capacity of the family of 
Mrs. Davis for concentrating their minds and ener- 
gies on any given point, and thus arriving at suc- 
cess in their undertakings. 

Though unable to worship in the sanctuary of 
her beloved people, Mrs. Davis adhered to their 
peculiar dress and language. Her mild blue eyes 
and blooming face will long be remembered in 
Lynchburg by those who knew her, nor will her 



S6 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

gentle loving words ever be forgotten by those to 
whom they were spoken. She wisely mingled with 
other Christian sects, preferring the old Methodist 
Church, which then, as now, was the scene of the 
most ardent and zealous pastoral labors. Regard- 
ing with peculiar reverence the indwelling Spirit, 
and considering her soul as God's temple, Mrs. 
Davis, attending closely to the voice within, was 
thus naturally led to observe strong impulses, and 
when once convinced that she was called on to per- 
form a duty, she arose at any hour, night or day, 
attending to it instantly ; and several times, during 
her residence on Bank square, she was thus the 
means of preserving life. On one occasion she 
awoke after the hour of midnight, firmly possessed 
with the idea that some great danger attended two 
female servants, who occupied an attic as a sleeping 
room. The doors between were all closed, and she 
had no means by sound or otherwise to cause such 
a belief ; but arising immediately, she ascended the 
stair-cases that led to the third story, and on open- 
ing the door of the servants apartment, she found 
the two girls in a profound slumber, with their bed 
and coverlids in a bright blaze of fire, which in a 
very few moments must have caused their death. 
Several instances of this sort are well known in the 
family of Mrs. Davis, and a member of her own 
houshold was, in the same manner, rescued by her, 
when placed in circumstances of great peril. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 37 

A dutiful, affectionate wife — a devoted mother, 
Mrs. Davis gratefully pursued her life journey, 
though called on to give up several lovely children 
in infancy. Her eldest son, Samuel Davis, was 
greatly beloved in the community in which he lived. 
Of splendid stature, handsome face, fine sense, and 
gifted with all those amiable traits for which his 
mother was so remarkable, Mrs. Davis could not but 
look on such a son with joy and pride, anticipating 
the time when, in the natural course of events, he 
should soothe and comfort her declining years. 
But, alas ! for the instability of human hopes ! 
Samuel Davis, whilst on a visit to Botetourt, was 
seized with the incipient symptoms of a malignant 
fever, called at that time "the big lick fever." He 
hurried home to Lynchburg, where, after lingering 
some days, he breathed his last. From that hour, 
the health of his mother declined. She endeavored 
to submit patiently to the affliction, and even at 
times appeared to have recovered her wonted cheer- 
fulness ; but the stroke had fallen heavily on her 
devoted heart, and ere long she was herself laid 
on a bed of languishing, from which she was des- 
tined never more to rise. Those who witnessed the 
triumphs of her last hours, can never forget that 
chamber of death ; her prayers at that solemn hour 
have been answered; her children have mostly 
chosen the better part, and one beloved daughter 
has long since joined her mother in Heaven. 
4 



88 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY. 

" Of them who TV^rapt in death are cold. 
No more the smiling day shall view ; 
Should many a tender tale be told, 
For many a tender thought is due. 

Why else the o'ergrown paths of time, 
Would thus the letter'd sage explore ; 

With pain these crumbling ruins climb, 
And on the doubtful sculpture pour ?" 

Langhorne. 

Christopher Anthony was born in the county 
of Bedford, at the close of the year 1776. His 
parents were in easy, prosperous circumstances ; 
but, on uniting themselves with the Society of 
Friends, they liberated a large number of slaves. 
Reared under the gentle, quiet influence of Quaker- 
ism, Christopher Anthony early learned those 
habits of self-government, which in after life so 
materially contributed towards forming his perfect 
exemplary character. Passing his boyhood amid 
the trying scenes of the Revolution, and the times 
immediately succeeding, the means of education 
were not abundant, yet Mr. Anthony profited by 



OF LYNCHBURG. 39 

every opportunity, early acquiring a thorough, 
knowledge of the English language in all its purity 
and beauty. Remarkable, when a boy, for the ease 
and elegance of his language, he was peculiarly 
sensitive even at that time to any coarseness and 
defective idiom. He used to relate, for the amuse- 
ment of his children, an anecdote of his going, 
when very young, to attend a rural festival in his 
father's neighborhood, in all the pride of a new suit 
of homespun. On his arrival at the place of rendez- 
vous, a momentary feeling of dissatisfaction was pro- 
duced, by seeing an elegant looking gentleman from 
town, in all the magnificence of broadcloth, ruffled- 
shirt and showy brooch ; but the young Quaker was 
immediately set at his ease, by hearing this fine 
gentleman remark to a by-stander, " I always in 
generally, when I rides, wears boots!" Becoming 
early acquainted with the standard English authors, 
Mr. Anthony carried with him through life the im- 
pressions then derived, retaining his literary taste, 
and continuing constantly to improve and cultivate 
his mind by diligent reading. Placed at an early 
age, as a clerk in his father's store in Bedford 
county, he there acquired that knowledge of man- 
kind and of human nature, which, in after years, so 
contributed to his success as a lawyer. 

The years immediately succeeding the Re\^olu- 
tionary war were necessarily attended wdth difficulty 
and hardship. The habits of the most wealthy 



40 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

were those of primitive simplicity ; their dress, the 
product of their own loom : and, in the execution 
of these homely employments, the females of our 
country manifested a noble pride. The young men 
were often called to assist on the farm, and to take 
part in all the rural occupations then going forward. 
Christopher Anthony, doubtless, found amid these 
scenes, fruitful sources of self-culture ; and, in free 
converse with nature, in the forests of Bedford, he 
could call to mind the contents of books he had 
been reading, and, whilst pursuing these avocations, 
his mind and heart could soar far above them, to 
the Eternal Source of all. To him, all things in 
nature were fraught with instruction : even the silent 
furrows, appearing, one by one, as the plough pass- 
ed over them, were suggestive of the cultivation of 
that patient perseverance for which he was so re- 
markable in later years ; and to his early familiarity 
with rural scenes, may be traced the unalloyed 
pleasure which, in more mature life, he derived 
from the poetical works of Robert Burns. 

Shortly after he attained the age of twenty- 
one, he removed to the city of Richmond, and 
entered into business with Joseph Anthony, his 
half-brother. Visiting Philadelphia, at this time, 
he found the city in commotion ; the piracies on 
the high seas, the threatened war with France, 
and anticipated troubles with England, had so 
excited the public mind, that every apprehension 



OF LYNCHBURG. 41 

was felt that our country would soon be again in- 
volved in war, both by land and sea. Public amuse- 
ments were discontinued, the theatre was nightly 
opened to vacant boxes ; the benefit night of a 
favorite young actor approaching. Judge Hopkin- 
son was induced by his persuasions to write some- 
thing patriotic, to be sung on that occasion, as 
nothing short of an absolute novelty could procure 
an audience. Accordingly the song of " Hail Co- 
lumbia!" was written, and its announcement drew 
a crowded house. The scruples of the young Quaker 
being removed, he attended the theatre on that 
night, and he often spoke with gratification of the 
impression produced by hearing this song sung for 
the first time. The enthusiasm of the audience 
knew no bounds, and the song was called for again 
and again. During this visit, Mr. Anthony was 
seized with a tedious intermittent fever, and, being 
attended by Dr. Rush, he nearly fell a victim to 
the disease, or to the remedy, which was a prepara- 
tion of arsenic, then recently introduced into the 
medical world, and administered for ague and fever. 
Dr. Rush entrusted to the landlady a phial contain- 
ing this medicine, but she, misunderstanding his 
prescription, instead of administering it in small 
portions, gave him the greater part of it at once ; 
and, in consequence of this mistake, Mr. Anthony 
received for some weeks the personal attention of 
Dr. Rush, deriving from his friendship and 



43 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

acquaintance pleasant impressions which remained 
"with him through life. 

He returned to Richmond, where he continued to 
carry on business as a merchant, and just as he was 
on the eve of marriage, an unexpected reverse ren- 
dered it necessary to defer for a short time his union 
with Anna Couch ; but this event taking place on 
the 6th of August, 1803, Mr. Anthony removed to 
the county of Goochland, where, for several years, 
he was occupied as a merchant. Retaining the 
Quaker garb and language, he adhered to the reli- 
gion of his parents, conscientiously practising its 
precepts. The members of Friends' Society, not 
being allowed to take an oath, Mr. Anthony, on ac- 
cepting the office of magistrate, found himself 
obliged to leave that sect, though throughout life 
he cherished the beautiful doctrines by them in- 
culcated. 

At the time of Burr's trial, Mr. Anthony was in 
Richmond, and having of Burr a very bad opinion, 
he expressed such publicly, hoping thereby to avoid 
being put on the jury. Being asked by a friend 
what had brought him to Richmond, he remarked : 
"I have come to Richmond to hang Burr." Not- 
withstanding this remark was reported to this 
wretched man, yet he chose Mr. Anthony as one of 
his jurors. Copious notes were made by Mr. An- 
thony of the trial, as well as many incidents con- 
nected with it, but the circumstances of Burr's 



OF LYNCHBURa. 43 

acquittal, as well as of the incarceration of the ill- 
fated Blaennerhasset, are too well known to render 
any detail here of these events at all desirable. 

Continuing for several years a magistrate, Mr. 
Anthony's friends perceived in him such talents for 
the bar, that they began to persuade him to study 
for that profession. The late Wm. Pope, and the 
numerous members of the talented families of Pleas- 
ants and Bates, were amongst his warmest friends, 
and his own inclinations prompting him to follow 
their advice, he accordingly, at the age of thirty, 
commenced his legal studies: obtaining in a* brief 
period a license to practice law, he removed to 
Lynchburg, where at once he rose in his profession, 
his practice soon becoming so large that he could 
attend to it but with difficulty. Placed thus for a 
period of eight or nine years in opulent circum- 
stances, Mr. Anthony considered himself a wealthy 
man ; but about the year 1819, a sudden reverse 
plunging him into poverty, it was at this time that 
the cheerful hopefulness of his disposition shone 
brightly ; for over this stormy sea serenely he 
passed, feeling thankful that amid the wreck he 
had his own energy and strength remaining. With 
an unshaken trust in Providence, the day succeed- 
ing his failure, he walked forth from his happy 
home with the knowledge that everything owned 
by him must be given up. But only for a short 
time was the reverse felt. On that very day he 



%4: SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

•was met by a wealthy client, who engaged his ser- 
vices in a new case, and insisted on his receiving 
compensation beforehand : from that period the tide 
of business was so great, that even the energy and 
industry of Mr. Anthony were scarce sufficient to 
attend to the numerous demands made on his time 
by his very extensive practice. During many years, 
Mr. Anthony nobly sustaining himself, exemplified 
in his character all that forms the upright man and 
the Christian, when death suddenly cut short his 
useful career, in his fifty-eighth year, in the month 
of September, 1835. 

It would be impossible to enumerate the many 
charities of this excellent man during the course of 
his practice in Lynchburg. Many widows were by 
him befriended, and their business matters attended 
to without charge ; many orphans, to his exertions 
owed the possession of their property; and the last 
professional visit he ever made was to a widow lady 
in the country, in order to aid and advise her in 
conducting her afi*airs. 

Many interesting legal anecdotes of him might 
be recorded, but in this place only one simple one 
shall be introduced. In the early period of Mr. 
A.'s practice, he was often opposed to the late 
Christopher Clark, at that time an eminent lawyer 
of the upper country. It had often been necessary 
for Mr. Clark to call on one particular witness, 
whose name was Enoch Hogan. Hogan was a 



OF LYNCHBURG. 45 

busy, prying man, generally more occupied about 
the affairs of others than his own, and Mr. Anthony 
and the members of the bar had been in the habit 
of jesting with Mr. Clark about his standing wit- 
ness, and saying to him whenever he got into a hard 
place, " Clark, call up Enoch Hogan." At one 
time Mr. Anthony was engaged in a lawsuit in 
which it was necessary to prove the hand-writing 
of an obscure woman residing in Kentucky. From 
time to time he had urged his client to take the 
deposition of this person, without which he would 
inevitably lose his cause. The case was brought to 
trial — they were unable to prove this hand-writing. 
Much discomfited and brought to bay, Mr. Anthony 
was about to surrender, when Mr. Clark whispered, 
"Anthony, call Enoch Hogan." Though aware 
that his advice was given in derision, Mr. Anthony 
calmly desired the sheriff to summon Enoch Hogan. 
Enoch was called, and came in amidst a roar of 
laughter from the whole court room ; he was sworn 
and interrogated by Mr. Anthony as to his know- 
ledge of the hand-writing of the surviving witness. 
"Do you know that hand- writing?" Hogan took 
the paper, giving a quick, sulky glance at it, and 
handing it back with this remark, "I reckon I 
ought to know it ; it is the signature of my own 
sister:" and so it was. She lived in Kentucky, 
and he had many letters from her in possession, 
and the similarity of the hand-writing and other 



46 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

circumstances put the matter beyond dispute. 
" This," said Mr. Anthony, "taught me one les- 
son, which in my after practice I never forgot : 
that was, never to give up a cause until I had 
lost it." 

A brief sketch of Christopher Anthony, by the late John 
Hampden Pleasants. 

" Died at his residence in Lynchburg, on Thursday, 
the first of October, Christopher Anthony, Esq., in 
the 59th year of his age. Mr. Anthony's illness was 
congestive fever, and from confidence in the uniform firm- 
ness of his health, and excellence of his constitution, he 
unfortunately neglected remedies in the incipient stages 
of the disease. But who shall say that mortal skill 
could have availed to save him, or who shall decide the 
problem, destined to be hidden in everlasting obscurity, 
that the appointed hour is fixed for all, by an unalterable 
fate ? The calamities which Death visits on surviving 
friends are sufiicient without their being aggravated by 
the painful, perhaps in every case, false supposition, that 
the stroke of his scythe might have been averted. "We 
can never know the truth, and the mode of faith is the 
happiest and wisest, which refers all to the wisdom and 
providence of God. 

Few men have lived in this community more useful in 
their sphere than Christopher Anthony, or died more 
inopportunely for the usefulness they were capable of 
exerting. An active and patriotic citizen, a most devoted 
husband and tender parent, there was no relation of life 



OF LYNCHBURG. 47 

•which he did not sustain with zeal and fidelity. Sub- 
jected at two periods of his life to severe pecuniary re- 
verses, his unflinching spirit and indomitable energy 
refused to succumb to misfortune an instant, but rather 
with that admirable elasticity which belongs to the con- 
sciousness of capacity, derived renewed energy from the 
necessity which required it. He was for a third time 
reaping that fortune so well due to his talents and vigor, 
when Providence, in its inscrutable wisdom, closed his 
active and useful career. 

" Mr. Anthony was a native of Bedford county, and 
was born in the Society of Friends, to whose benevolent 
principles he firmly adhered, while he relinquished out- 
ward conformity to their manners. He was bred a mer- 
chant, in which capacity he, at one time, conducted 
business in Richmond. Failing in this he adopted the 
profession of the law, and speedily attained the highest 
eminence at the bar, which he maintained for a long 
series of years, and enjoyed to the end of his life. A 
seat on the bench was repeatedly in his power, but he 
declined it as being less lucrative than his practice. His 
native capacity was of the highest order, and had he 
possessed the advantages of early instruction in elemen- 
tary knowledge, he had been amongst the most shining 
men of his generation. As it was, he had few superiors; 
in intuitive knowledge of men, that best of knowledge, 
none. May his ashes repose in peace until the great day, 
when all the dead will come forth to meet their Judge." 



48 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



MRS. ANNA W. ANTHONY. 

*' What are the trophies gained 

By power alone, with all its noise and strife, 
To that meek wreath, unstained, 

Won by the charities that gladden life !" 

Bernard Barton. 

Anna "VYoolston Anthony was the eldest 
daughter of Samuel and Anna Couch. Her father 
was by birth a Philadelphian, and her mother was 
a native of Mount Holly, New Jersey. Emigrat- 
ing soon after their marriage to Virginia, they es- 
tabished themselves in the city of Richmond, where 
Anna was born in the month of January, 1786. 
Shortly after this event, Mr. Couch purchasing the 
estate of Little Creek, in Goochland, he removed 
there with his family, and he continued to reside 
there till his death. Being a man of large pro- 
perty, Mr. Couch was exceedingly liberal and gene- 
rous, esteeming the privilege of bestowing on 
others, as one of the most refined pleasures. Pos- 
sessing a fine mind, highly cultivated, his tastes 
were literary, his temperament highly poetic, 
and many of his compositions, both in prose and 



OF LYNCHBURG. 49 

verse, are preserved in the family, evincing a high 
order of talent. His daughter received her educa- 
tion under his immediate superintendence, and be- 
coming early acquainted with all the standard lite- 
rature of the English language, her retentive mind 
preserved these impressions, which were in after 
life deepened by still further cultivation. When at 
the age of six years, her parents left the estab- 
lished Church, and united themselves to the Society 
of Friends, liberating at this time a large number of 
slaves. At the age of 10 years, owing to the in- 
firm state of her mother's health, an infant sister 
was confided to the charge of Anna, and assuming 
the entire care of the child, she reared it as ten- 
derly as though it had been her own. About four 
years after this time, her father was seized with a 
severe illness, from which he never recovered, and 
Mrs. Couch, with all the tenderness of a devoted 
wife, gave herself up entirely to administer to the 
comfort of her husband, confiding the whole care 
of a large establishment to her daughter Anna, 
who not only administered wisely the domestic 
afiairs, but materially aided her mother in nursing 
her sick father. On the death of Mr. Couch, obey- 
ing one of his last requests, they gave up their 
residence in the country, and removed again to the 
city of Richmond. In the course of a few years, 
Anna was united in marriage to Christopher An- 
thony, of Bedford county, also a member of the 
6 



50 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Society of Friends. Kemoving with her husband 
to Goochland,' Mrs. Anthony there found herself 
surrounded by the beloved friends of her childhood, 
and most happily sped away the few years of her 
residence in that county. In the year 1811, they 
made their home in the town of Lynchburg, where, 
very soon, Mrs. Anthony took a prominent station 
in society, forming these ties of friendship which 
remained unbroken through life, and are now con- 
sidered by her children a sacred inheritance. 

For some years she resided in the house at pre- 
sent occupied by Henry Dunnington, Esq., leading 
there a useful, happy life, active in her duties to 
her family, and dispensing good to all within her 
sphere. Large and abundant were her charities, 
many poor persons being entirely supplied by her 
with comforts. A woman in indigent circumstances, 
named Meredy, lived in a house immediately in 
rear of the old Methodist Church: her husband 
having made his arrangements to move with his 
family to Richmond, they packed up all their small 
amount of goods, and just as they were tying on 
their bonnets to start, the new tenants who were 
to take the house appeared on the steps with their 
parcels and bundles. Mrs. Mer.edy shook hands 
with the new comers, regretting that it was not in 
her power to aid them ; but, said she, " in leaving 
Lynchburg I bequeath to you Mrs. Anthony, and I 
consider that I leave you a rich legacy." 



OF LYNCHBURG. 51 

Being endowed with great firmness and presence 
of mind in times of sickness and danger, she was 
once sent for at midnight, to come to the house of 
a relative, whose little son was said to be dying. 
On her arrival there, she found the family all sit- 
ting around in profound grief, and it was told her 
that the little child was dead. The dreary array 
of grave clothes was spread out, and one of the 
friends of the family was just about to prepare his 
little form for burial. Mrs. Anthony suggested 
that life might possibly not be extinct ; but the 
family assured her that the child was dead, and 
that no breath for some moments had been appa- 
rent. " I will at least try to restore him," said 
Mrs. Anthony. She accordingly proceeded to 
administer restoratives, and very soon the little suf- 
ferer began to show symptoms of returning anima- 
tion, and ere long a feeble cry issuing from the 
babe, showed that Mrs. Anthony's efi'orts had been 
entirely successful. The child recovered and is 
now residing in one of the Western cities, a vigorous 
man in the prime of life. 

Shortly after the return of Mr. Anthony from 
the Legislature of 1817, he was seized with a severe 
attack of inflammatory rheumatism, which, for a 
time, bafiled the skill of even the eminent medical 
men then residing in Lynchburg, and threatened 
him with loss of life. His sufferings were so great, 



52 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

that it was with difficulty a moment's ease could be 
procured. The use of opiates was much more rare 
than at present, and chloroform, happily for man- 
kind, unknown at that time; the only thing which 
composed Mr. Anthony was the voice of his beloved 
wife, whilst occupied in reading aloud to him ; it 
appeared to possess a mesmeric effect, and, whilst 
she was reading, he would seem to sleep, but the 
moment her voice was silent, he would awake to a 
sense of his sufferings. During this trying period, 
Mrs. Anthony read aloud to her husband all the 
volumes of the British Essayists ; nor was his re- 
covery complete, till he had made a long sojourn at 
the Warm and Hot Springs. When the unexpected 
reverse occurred in 1819, Mrs. Anthony bore it all 
with cheerful serenity. Not a murmur escaped her, 
not a cloud appeared on her countenance ; possess- 
ing her soul in patience, she calmly rested all her 
cares on Him who had borne earth's trials. Her 
ways were committed to God, who speedily brought 
her out of adversity, establishing her in even 
greater comfort and prosperity than she had be- 
fore enjoyed. 

The house now occupied by Samuel McCorkle, 
Esq., was planned and built by the late Christopher 
Anthony. The dwelling was completed in 1831, 
and the family took possession of it during the 
summer of that year. Mrs. Anthony, though, could 



OF LYNCHBURG. 53 

not but regret leaving her old home, on Courthouse 
Hill, where she had enjoyed so much happiness, 
and mingled with her regret a feeling that her 
domestic circle was soon to be broken up; yet, 
repressing these sad thoughts, she cheerfully 
engaged in all of her duties, and entered with zeal 
and ardor into the work of improving her new re- 
sidence. 

In the year 1829, Mrs. Anthony communed in 
the Episcopal Church, but it was not till the spring 
of 1836, that she became a member of that denomi- 
nation. During the second Episcopal Convention, 
held in Lynchburg, she was baptized and admitted 
into the church, of which she continued a zealous and 
devoted member till the time of her death, like the 
pious and good Susan Allibone,* of Philadelphia ; 
showing forth, in her life, the beauty of holiness, 
and proving that Episcopacy, based on Quakerism, 
can produce a Christian character, so formed after 
the model of our great Exemplar, so meek and 
lovely, that even the most worldly, on meeting with 
such, must own the" power of the religion of Christ 
to exalt and purify the character. 



* See *' Life of Susan Allibone," written by Bishop Lee. 
The writer considers it a privilege to have been in the same 
house with this lovely woman, for more than a week, in Phila- 
delphia. 



54 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

About three years after being settled in their 
new home, Mr. Anthony was, in the month of Sep- 
tember, suddenly called hence ; and very soon after 
this mournful event, Mrs. Anthony, leaving Lynch- 
burg, went to reside with her daughters in the coun- 
ties of Nelson and Buckingham. She survived 
her beloved husband more than twenty-one years : 
during that solitary pilgrimage, cheered by the hope 
of a joyful re-union in Heaven. It would be impossi- 
ble to record here, the numerous ways of doing good 
which were found out by Mrs. Anthony during her 
residence in the country. A course of the most 
active industry was by her pursued, taking for her 
watch-word, " Occupy till I come !" She was 
strength, energy and comfort to her immediate 
household ; and, when she could think of nothing 
else to be done, she subscribed liberally to dif- 
ferent religious newspapers, which she would send 
throughout the country, thus supplying many poor 
families with religious knowledge, and lightening 
their trials by the hopes thereby inspired. A long 
course of usefulness was closed when she breathed 
her last, in the month of December, 1854, in the 
sixty-ninth year of her age. It is not the inten- 
tion, at present, to portray the touching and beau- 
tiful scene of her death, so in accordance with her 
life, though aware that a record of this sort would 
be beneficial to the Christian community, by afi'ord- 



OF LYNCnBURG. 55 

ing strong proof of the power of religion to com- 
fort and sustain the believer at the close of life ; 
and we can only close this brief tribute, by a clause 
from our beloved Service : '' We give Thee hearty 
thanks, Lord ! for the good examples of all these 
Thy servants, who, having finished their course in 
faith, do now rest from their labors." 



56 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



REMINISCENCES OF THE 

COURT AND BAR OF LYNCHBURG. 

" Each pedant sage unlocks his store 
Of mystic, dark, discordant lore, 
And points with tottering hand the ways 
That lead me to the thorny maze ; 
There, in a winding, close retreat, 
Is Justice doomed to fix her seat ; 
There, fenced by bulwarks of the law, 
She keeps the wondering world in awe, 
And there, from vulgar sight retired. 
Like Eastern queen, is more admired." 

Sir William Blackstone. 

The old courthouse of Lynchburg was associated 
with many pleasing memories of the past, in those 
good old days of 1819, when Chancellor Taylor 
held there his courts in the months of May and 
October. The members of the bar from all the 
surrounding counties then convened in Lynchburg, 
and when relieved from the cares of business, they 
formed a most brilliant and refined social circle. 

Judge Creed Taylor was truly a gentleman of 
the old school, with a most aristocratic manner and 



OJ* liYNCitiBURa. 67 

bearing. His dress even, in those days, was singu- 
lar, consisting of short breeches, long stockings 
fastened at the knee with large buckles, and his 
silvery hair was combed from his forehead and con- 
fined in a queue at the back of his head. His legal 
abilities and reputation are too well established to 
need here eulogy, even were the ability possessed of 
so doing ; but a more elegant gentleman in society, 
or at a dinner table, could not be found, his cour- 
tesy extending from his hostess to her youngest 
boy, whose health he would insist on drinking, as 
the little fellow ran through the dining-room — and 
there was a peculiar grace in all his actions, even 
in the simple one of manufacturing the impromptu 
olive, from the bread-basket and salt-cellar, previous 
to taking his wine, between the time of dinner and 
dessert. His manners at this time were bland and 
courteous, with all the formality of Sir Charles 
Grandison. In after years his health declined ; he 
suffered from chronic gastritis ; his eye lost its 
brightness, his form its roundness ; and becoming 
exceedingly irritable and fretful, it was only by lay- 
ing a powerful restraint on himself, and feigning 
politeness, that he could be brought to conduct him- 
self with common civility towards the members of 
the bar. 

During his last visit to Lynchburg, on adjourning 
his court for the day, he appointed the hour of 
twelve oa the following day, as the time for again 



58 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 

assembling. Becoming restless though, before the 
hour of eleven, he caused the courthouse bell to be 
rung long and loudly. In great haste the lawyers 
came pouring in from all directions to meet his ire- 
ful glance. He first accosted the late Peachy Gil- 
mer, reproaching him in an angry voice for being 
so dilatory, whereupon Mr. Gilmer remarking to 
him that it yet wanted three quarters of an hour to 
the appointed time, the Chancellor losing all com- 
mand of himself, exclaimed in a passionate voice, 
" Gentlemen, I will have you in future to know that 
when J take my seat on the bench, it is 12 o'clock." 
This reply, so w^orthy to have been made by a 
native of the Emerald Isle, instead of a Virginian, 
naturally leads us to think of the Irish bar during 
the time of Curran, Grattan, and Barrington ; and 
it is doubtful whether the bar of that country sur- 
passed in talent and brilliancy that of upper Vir- 
ginia at the time of which we write. 

The honorable Judge William Daniel, Sr. of the 
Campbell and Cumberland district, Daniel Sheffey, 
Colonel Townes, of Pittsylvania, Judge William 
Leigh, of Halifax, Peachy Gilmer, Christopher An- 
thony, Callowhill Minniss, and a host* of others. 



* Chiswell Dabney, John Blair Dabney, though mucli the 
juniors of those mentioned above ; Juilge Allan Taylor, of 
Botetourt, in his manly stature and pure eloquence, reminding 
us of the great Burrowes ; and in connection with these distin- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 69 

each one deserving more than a passing tribute. 
Of this large' circle only four or five survive, and 
amongst them an interesting volume might be made 
up from reminiscences of that period. 

Peachy Gilmer was a son of Dr. Gilmer, of 
Albemarle ; he was born about the time of the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary war, and his 
boyhood was spent amid the mountains of his 
native county. He received an excellent educa- 
tion, and graduating with distinction, he studied for 
the bar, and soon after obtaining a license, he was 
united in marriage to Mary House, of Connecti- 
cut, a most estimable and highly gifted young lady. 
They settled in the county of Henry, then a wil- 
derness, and doubtless the cheerful hopefulness of 
his wife's disposition, contributed largely to his ex- 
tensive popularity and unbounded success in his 
profession. After residing there for a few years, 
Mr. Gilmer removed to the town of Liberty, in Bed- 
ford county, where, by a long course of diligence, 
he secured an independence. His house was ever 



guished men, John W. "Wills, at that time clerk of the county, 
but aftei'wards an eminent lawyer; and just before the abolish- 
ing of the chancery court system, (which, in spite of the evils 
disclosed by " Jarndyce v. Jarndyce," we still like,) the beloved 
and lamented Judge Thomas T. Bouldin, of Charlotte, might 
have been called a member of the Lynchburg bar, as he was a 
constant attendant of the courts there held. 



60 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the abode of the most unbounded hospitality, apart 
from ostentatious display ; and in the exercise of 
his profession, Mr. Gilmer displayed the most 
cheerful assiduity, the very necessity for exertion 
being esteemed by him as a blessing, calling health- 
fully into action his mental and physical powers. 
Gratefully and affectionately does the retrospective 
thought carry us back to those happy days of 
childhood, when, under his hospitable roof, the pri- 
vilege was enjoyed of witnessing his hourly mani- 
festations of tender interest to those around him, 
and of listening to his witty, brilliant, intellectual 
conversation, carried on with other gifted spirits, 
who, too, have long since passed away ; * nor will 
many of their words, then spoken, be ever effaced 
from memory, though they were heard years since, 
far in the past of long ago. 

On the death of a relative in 1829, Mr. Gilmer 
became heir to a large property in Albemarle. He 
was now no longer obliged to practice his profes- 



* In the Summer of 1828, a convention was held in Char- 
lottesville for internal improvement, at which ex-Presidents 
Madison and Monroe, Chief Justice Marshall, B. W. Leigh, 
Chapman Johnson, and other distinguished men were delegates. 
Peachy Gilmer, William Radford, Esq., James W. Pegram, and 
Christopher Anthony were delegates from Bedford and Camp- 
bell, and the pleasant remembrance of that occasion is clouded 
by the thought, that of those good men, William Radford, Esq., 
of Bedford, is the only survivor. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 61 

sion, and as it was desirable for him to live on his 
estate, he removed with his family from the county 
of Bedford. 

After being settled in his new abode, he missed 
the pleasant social circle he had for years been ac- 
customed to meet in Liberty, and a letter written 
by him shortly after this period warmly expresses 
these feelings — indeed, he found his associations 
so linked with the past, that the new scenes in 
which he now moved failed to impart the happiness 
expected. His experience was like that of Charles 
Lamb, who, when emancipated from the India 
house, with his time completely at his own disposal, 
expressed himself as having no holidays. The 
health of Mr. Gilmer, about this time, became im- 
paired, and he continued gradually to decline till 
about the year 1836, when this exemplary man 
and eminent lawyer breathed his last, at Leigh, his 
country seat, in the county of Albemarle. 

George W. Nelson, at that time of the bar 
of Lynchburg, was a native of the county of Han- 
over, and a member of the old Virginia family 
of that name. A qualified lawyer, endowed with 
fine talents, and possessing a refined literary taste, 
a gentleman of most kindly feelings, yet was Mr. 
Nelson so deficient in suavity of manner, that he 
failed to make himself popular. He could not 
follow the precept of St. Paul, and " be all things 
to all men," and, consequently, to strangers he 
6 



62 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

appeared reserved and even haughty. Those who 
knew well, and associated with him in a private cir- 
cle, could form a more just estimate of his fine 
qualities, than others could who met him only in 
the courthouse. 

During the summer of 1826, whilst on a visit to 
his relatives in the lower country, Mr. Nelson be- 
coming deeply interested on the subject of religion, 
connected himself with the Episcopal Church, aban- 
doning the profession of law and studying for the 
ministry, which he afterwards adorned by his zeal, 
piety and eloquence. His first visit to Lynchburg, 
after his change of profession, was in the spring 
of 1835, during the second Episcopal Convention, 
held in that place. An appointment having been 
made for him to preach at the old Baptist Church, 
and a crowd assembling to hear him, Mr. Nelson, 
ascending the pulpit after evening service, surveyed 
the congregation with some natural trepidation, 
and feeling somewhat nervous concerning this, his 
first sermon in Lynchburg. Immediately after 
taking his place in the pulpit, he felt himself 
blinded by a shining body, and turning hastily 
aside, in some agitation, he upset and broke a 
glass of water, nearly losing his presence of 
mind. Many of our inhabitants doubtless remem- 
ber old Mr. Norvell, a member of the Baptist con- 
gregation, Vt'ho being very deaf was accommodated 
with an elevated seat on a line with the pulpit, and 



OP LYNCHBURa. 63 

who used an enormous bright tin ear trumpet. 
Rev. Mr. Lee, pastor of that Church, having been 
long accustomed to the vicinity of that tin body, 
had not recollected to prepare Mr. Nelson for its 
appearance. — Mr. Nelson married an excellent 
young lady of Georgetown, and he was for some 
years the beloved pastor of the Episcopal Church 
of Clarke county, where he died in the year 1840, 
his triumphant death bearing ample testimony to 
the power of religion to sustain, in that solemn 
hour, the steadfast believer. 

James W. Pegeam, a native of Petersburg, set- 
tling in Lynchburg in 1826, was a brilliant addition 
to the bar of that place. Bright and pleasing 
memories of the past are so closely linked with 
James W. Pegram, that one solely dependant on 
memory can scarce define his character, or seize 
on any one prominent trait. Elegant in manners 
and personal appearance, brilliant in conversation, 
and of a disposition most affectionate, one would 
not long be in his society without a feeling of re- 
gret at not having sooner formed his acquaintance. 
In striking contrast to the talented Nelson, Pegram 
possessed that nice, ready tact, that blest capacity 
of adapting himself to others, and causing them to 
shine in discourse, by leading them to speak on 
subjects with which they were well acquainted. 

Whether in his gallant military uniform, or in 
citizen's dress, his manly form was graceful and 



# 



64 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



elegant. He was very successful in the practice 
of his profession ; but on his marriage with Miss 
Johnston, in 1828, he removed to Petersburg, con- 
tinuing to increase his reputation as a lawyer. 
Being appointed President of the Bank of Vir- 
ginia in Bichmond, he removed to that city, and 
whilst in the bloom of manhood and arrived at the 
zenith of prosperity and domestic happiness, he 
was called from home to the Western States on 
business connected with the banking institution to 
which he was attached. 

After a prosperous journey, he was returning 
home, buoyant with health and glad expectation of 
again meeting his beloved circle at home, taking 
passage on the ill-fated steamboat, the *'Lucy 
Walker" which was blown up on the Ohio river, 
with nearly every passenger on board. One saved 
from the wreck, told that to the last James Pe- 
gram was endeavoring to save the lives of others, 
and that when last seen he was making efforts to 
save the lives of ladies and children. As he had 
lived, so died this noble-hearted, chivalrous man, 
ever mindful to the last of others, thus sacrificing 
his valuable life in unavailing efforts to rescue his 
fellow-passengers. 

Major James B. Risque, also a member of the 
bar at this time, was a remarkable man. Both in 
personal character and professional career, a strik- 
ing parallel exists between himself and James 



OP LYNCHBURG. 65 

Philips of Dublin, who was called to the Irish bar 
in 1812. The reputation of Major Risque as a 
criminal lawyer in the first outset of his career, 
and his undisputed bravery, concur in placing him 
along side of this remarkable Irish barrister. It is 
said that in his youth Major Risque was a rival and 
competitor at the bar, with Mr. Wickham and other 
distinguished lawyers. It is a well established fact 
that he was a very brave man, not at all afraid of 
pistols, which, at the present day, would be saying 
a great deal for any man. During his residence in 
Fincastle he fought several duels, in one of which 
he was shot entirely through the body, a silk hand- ^^ 
kerchief being drawn entirely through him. vtFiAAA^ 

He married a beautiful woman, a Miss Kennedy, 
who was a sister of Mrs. General Clarke. Being 
left a widower whilst quite a young man, he de- 
voted himself most affectionately to the rearing and 
educating his three children. For many years he 
resided in the large house now occupied by the 
Misses Gordon as a seminary. He died about 17 
years since, at an advanced age. His family sur- 
vive him ; his daughters, Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Hut- 
ter, residing in the vicinity of Lynchburg, and his 
son Ferdinand Risque, Esq., being a citizen of 
Georgetown, D. C. 



60 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Samuel Branspord. — In connection with the 
court and bar of Lynchburg, may properly be 
mentioned Samuel Bransford, for many years 
the able and efficient Sergeant of the corporation 
of that place. This excellent man being by nature 
peculiarly adapted to his office, adhered with un- 
shrinking fidelity to its duties, regardless alike of 
their difficulty or painfulness. Though not of large 
stature, his presence had a magical effect in dispel- 
ling a mob ; and there was something in the very 
expression of his eye, which caused even the most 
rebellious to submit. On one occasion, a desperate 
man, well armed, was holding at bay the sheriff 
and several police officers. Information of this 
state of affairs being conveyed to Samuel Bransford, 
he immedietely walked up to the offender, glancing 
fiercely at him, and saying, "You audacious rascal, 
how dare you rebel against the laws of your 
country?" The man instantly ceased resistance, 
and delivered himself up quietly to the officer. 

Once only, in the recollection of the Oldest In- 
habitant, was this energetic man baffled. It was 
told him that a party of gentlemen were convened 
in the ball-room of the hotel, engaged in card- 
playing. Accordingly, Mr. Bransford stationed 
himself at the door, which was locked and barred. 
He had several attendant officers with him, and 
a posse stationed in the street under the end 



OF LYNCHBURa. 67 

"window, to prevent the escape of the delinquents 
bj that outlet. For many hours Mr. Bransford 
waited, and watched most patiently : to his sur- 
prise, no one even attempting to come out. At 
length, the hum of suppressed voices in the room 
entirely subsided, and all was silent. Unable to 
account for this, the door was now forced, and 
there stood the chairs, tables and glasses, just as 
they had been left, and the party had made their 
escape by cutting their way through the ceiling, 
making there a passage through to an upper room ; 
and, one by one, they had quietly descended the 
stair-case, passing Mr. Bransford at the door of the 
ball-room, and, descending the steps leading to the 
first floor, they went forth to their several homes. 
His ability and firmness commanded the greatest 
respect, even from the evil-doers who viewed with 
terror his approach. Regarding him with almost 
a superstitious reverence, they actually believed 
that Mr. Bransford could control the elements, and 
reduce them to proper order, when out of the 
course of nature. There are many now in Lynch- 
burg, who well remember that memorable night 
in November, 1833, Avhen the inhabitants of Lynch- 
burg were so much terrified at what was called the 
"falling stars." Many enlightened persons were 
not a little afraid, whilst multitudes of the poor 
and ignorant fled to the residence of Mr. Bransford 
for protection, thinking that the day of judgment 



68 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

was at hand, and that he alone, of all living 
persons, could protect them. 

Nor was it only in his civil and public capacity, 
that this good and honest man was eminent. In 
his family, most kind and affectionate ; in the 
Methodist Church, of which he was a devoted 
member, most prompt in good works ; and, by his 
zeal and energy, greatly aiding in the formation 
and growth of the Church in Lynchburg, where 
he lived beloved and respected till his death. 

Mr. Bransford married a Miss Walton, of Buck- 
ingham, a lady of great worth and usefelness. 
She survived her husband some years, and died in 
the city of Lynchburg. Of the family of Samuel 
Bransford, three members survive : — Alfred Brans- 
ford, Esq., of Lynchburg, and Mrs. John H. Tyree, 
of its vicinity, and John William Bransford, Esq., 
of Richmond. Mrs. Charles Hudson, the second 
daughter, was a very lovely woman, with a cast 
of features and expression of countenance strongly 
resembling the portraits of Letitia Landon. Her 
sweet grave face, the bright intellectual expression 
of her large black eyes, the refined simplicity of 
her dress, and her graceful movements, will ever 
be remembered with pleasure and interest in her 
native town. She died in the city of New York, 
far from friends and home ; but her remains repose 
in the Presbyterian graveyard of Lynchburg, 
where a splendid monument marks the spot. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 69 

Samuel Bransford, Jr., -was a young man of 
great promise, graduating at AYest Point, with 
high honors. After his graduation, he was honored 
with the position of Assistant Professor of Mathe- 
matics, at West Point, and met his death, while 
exercising a fiery horse on the parade ground. He 
is buried at West Point. His memory is kindly 
cherished by friends and classmates in Lynchburg. 



" Eevenge, my friends ! revenge and the natural hatred 
of scoundrels, and the ineradicable tendency to revancher 
one's self upon them, and pay them what they have mer- 
ited : This is forever more a correct and a divine feeling 
in the mind of every man/' 

Thomas Carlyle. 

Immediately in rear of the old courthouse, stood 
the whipping post, pillory and wretched old jail, 
any one of these three objects being sufficient to 
disgrace the town. The jail was built of hewn logs 
and consisted of two rooms, one above the other, 
without fire-places, and appeared to have been 
planned and erected after Mr. Carlyle's own ideas. 
Now, a medium is desirable between that philan- 
throphy, which causes the imprisoned ofi*ender to 
be better lodged, clothed and fed, than the hard 
working, industrious day-laborer, and that excessive 
severity in prison discipline, advocated by Thomas 



70 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Carljle. Doubtless the prison discipline of the 
present day has arrived at this happy medium, and 
it is not here the intention to discuss that matter. 

The old jail must have been very insecure, and 
it is a matter of wonder, that prisoners did not 
more frequently make their escape. The lower 
room being used for criminals of the worst descrip- 
tion, the upper apartment was kept for disorderly 
persons, and was, also, used as a temporary place 
of safety for maniacs. An unfortunate free col- 
ored man named Archie Cooper, being subject to 
periodical attacks of insanity, was often placed 
there, and crowds frequently assembled outside the 
jail, to listen to his eloquent prayers and exhorta- 
tions — for when to his mental vision all else was dim 
and clouded, the glorious light of the gospel shone 
into his soul, enlightening with a ray of hope, his 
dark and gloomy pathway. 

Not unfrequently might be seen, on the side- 
walks, persons in a state of intoxication. This 
class found, also, at the jail an asylum, being es- 
corted to that edifice by their polite and faithful 
friend Mr. Mason, who perambulated the streets of 
the town with a most expressive stick, his move- 
ments being a counter-part of those of Mr. Inspec- 
tor Bucket, the detective agent. Very often a 
large group of school children would repair to the 
jail after the hours of recitation, and they would 
make a signal to the prisoners, who would send 



OF LYNCHBURG. 71 

down a telegraph twine, to wliich the children 
below would attach a basket containing biscuit, 
confectionery, pastry and various other little 
comforts. 

Lynchburg has enjoyed a very unenviable repu- 
tation abroad, having been called a wicked, dissi- 
pated place; but those charges can scarcely be just; 
for during a residence of 19 years in that place, 
the writer only recollects two persons there impris- 
oned for murder. A person named Joseph Cohen 
killed a man, and being found guilty of manslaugh- 
ter, he was for a term of years sent to the peniten- 
tiary. On being released from confinement, he 
returned to Lynchburg, establishing himself on the 
Richmond road, at a little place called since that 
time by the name of ^' Cohensville." The circum- 
stances attending the murder of Hamilton by John 
M. Jones, are too well known and remembered in 
Lynchburg, to be here discussed. Jones was im- 
prisoned in the new stone jail for 15 months, and 
before the close of this period many inhabitants 
signed a petition to the Governor requesting his 
pardon, but to no avail. Jones was an exceedingly 
handsome man, rivalling in beauty the famous 
Gilderoy, and like him meeting the fate of 

** Hanging high above the rest." 

He met his doom with great firmness, saying that 
he sorely repented his past sins, trusting alone for 



72 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

pardon to Jesus Christ. After he was suspended 
in the air, the rope broke, giving him a tremendous 
fall. The unfortunate man, rising to his feet, 
called for water, saying, " for God's sake tie the 
rope tight this time." Sympathy now inclines us 
to think that he ought to have been pardoned, and 
that, having been hung once, was quite sufficient. 
Had his life only been spared one hour after his 
fall, a few moments conversation with him would 
greatly have enlightened the medical and scientific 
world, and relieved mankind in general of that 
intense curiosity felt respecting the sensations of a 
man who had been hung. He might have been 
permitted to make his home on some far distant 
shore, where he was unknown, untaunted and free 
from all those persecutions experienced by the man 
who had been hung, and whose wretched condition 
is so quaintly and even humorously described by 
Charles Lamb. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 73 



MRS. MARGARET DANIEL. 

^'The world is filled with the voices of the dead. 
Sweet and solemn voices are they, speaking with un- 
earthly authority, coming back to us as the messages of 
angels. And when the business of daily life is for a 
while suspended, and its cares are put to rest, nay, often 
in the midst of the world's tumult, their voices float 
down clearly and distinctly from heaven, and say to their 
own, * Come up hither.' '* 

Isabel, or Influence. 

Mrs. MARaARET Daniel, wife of the late Hon- 
orable Judge William Daniel, and daughter of Dr. 
Baldwin, was born in Winchester, Frederick county, 
about the year 1786. Her father was a gentleman 
of high standing, eminent alike for his domestic 
virtues and his skill in medicine. From early child- 
hood, she was the friend and companion of her 
father, imbibing his feelings on most subjects, and 
learning from him to take prompt and decisive 
measures in all emergencies. Her education being 
carefully attended to by her father, and every 
advantage given her that could at that time be 
7 



74 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

obtained, it is no matter of surprise, that as she 
grew up, her mind was remarkable for its brilliancy 
and cultivation. Endowed likewise with personal 
beauty* and elegance, it is but seldom that so many 
gifts have so perfectly harmonized in the character 
of one individual. 

She sympathized so with her beloved parent, in 
the pursuits incident to his profession, that she 
would often accompany him to the bed-side of the 
sick and dying, materially aiding him by her timely 
suggestions ; and in times of prevailing epidemics, 
she would find books of reference for him, and 
cases bearing a similitude to those under his care. 
Applying herself to find out remedies to re- 
lieve the sick, ere she had attained womanhood. 
Miss Margaret Baldwin was a most accomplished 
nurse, and an efficient and faithful friend to the 
sick and afflicted. When scarcely seventeen years 
old, she was married to Judge William Daniel, 
bringing to her husband a rich dowry in those 
splendid, shining qualities for which she was so 
remarkable. Settling in the county of Cumberland, 
she there made a home alike distinguished for its 
elegance and hospitality. 

To her graces and accomplishments was added a 



*A portrait of this lovely woman "was taken in crayon by 
Harvey Mitchell, Esq., and a few years since it might have been 
seen at Union Hill, the residence of Mnyo Cabell, Esq. 



OF LYNCHBURQ. 75 

brave spirit, which enabled her to meet and con- 
front danger with a firm heart and an unfaltering 
voice. During their residence in Cumberland, 
Judge Daniel was called unexpectedly from home, 
leaving only Mrs. Daniel and a family of small 
children. In the night, being awakened by a noise, 
Mrs. Daniel perceived by the moon-beams the figure 
of a man entering the house by one of the windows. 
Judge Daniel had left a large sum of money in his 
escritoir, and as it had been received on the pre- 
vious day at court, it is not improbable that this cir- 
cumstance was generally known. Presuming that 
the man had come for the purpose of plunder, Mrs. 
Daniel instantly arose, and taking down Judge 
Daniel's gun, walked directly up to the man, say- 
ing, " What are you seeking here ? Go instantly, 
sir, and if you prolong your stay one instant, 
I will shoot you dead!" The cowardly man fled 
with precipitation, and Mrs. Daniel, after calling 
up her servants to find whether any one else was 
lurking about, retired again to rest, deeply thank- 
ful to the Giver of all good that her young family 
and herself had been preserved from the robber 
and probably the assassin. 

About the year 1819 Judge Daniel removed to 
Lynchburg, his gifted wife rapidly making friends 
in that place, and acquiring there an influence 
which will long be felt in the families who enjoyed 
the privilege of her friendship. After organizing 



76 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

her household, she set out to find ways of doing 
good and means of benefiting the sick and indigent. 
Opportunities were not wanting for the exercise of 
her benevolent feelings, for Lynchburg was at that 
time the abode of some of the most wretched and 
destitute white families. It is not surprising that 
such a woman should have nursed and tended those 
in the same enlightened sphere in which she moved ; 
but when we reflect that she would leave her own 
comfortable home, regardless of rain and storm, 
to visit quietly the lowliest dwellings, and there to 
watch by the couch of the sick and dying, this in- 
deed excites our warmest admiration. Howard, the 
philanthropist, visited the prisons of Europe, greatly 
ameliorating the condition of their inmates, but 
even his most partial biographers have not been 
able to deny that he was but an indifferent domestic 
character, a tyrannical husband, and a father most 
culpably negligent of his only son. So that it is 
easy to be perceived, that the traits of great public 
characters do not always harmonize, in such way as 
to produce a character we can love and reverence in 
all of its bearings. But in Mrs. Daniel we behold 
a woman fulfilling the commands of our Saviour, 
doing good in the most quiet, unobtrusive way, and 
constantly seeking out for objects of charity, at- 
tending diligently to the ways of her household, 
whilst tcnde.ly anxious and careful in rearing up 
her children. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 77 

Happy the children of such a parent, happy the 
hushand of such a woman, and thrice hlest were the 
domestics who were guided and governed by her 
wise, just and mild sway. 

During her residence in the house now occupied 
by Dr. James Saunders, Mrs. Daniel met with a 
severe domestic affliction in the death of her daugh- 
ter Margaret, a lovely child of five years old. For 
a time overwhelmed, she could not feel submissive 
or resigned, but ere the lapse of many weeks, she 
aroused herself from the torpor of grief, having 
been made sensible that its excessive indulgence 
was sinful, as well as unfavorable for the execution 
of any plan for the benefit of others ; and soon she 
found comfort in administering to the suffering in 
her own neighborhood, and not unfrequently was 
her own grief moderated in alleviating the woes of 
others. 



" Tread softly — bow the head, 

In reverent silence bow, 
No passing bell doth toll — 
Yet an immortal soul 

Is passing now. 

" Beneath that beggar's roof, 

Lo ! Death doth keep his state ; 
Enter — no cowards attend — 
Enter — no guards defend 
This palace gate." 

Mrs. Southet. 



78 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

An indigent family lived in a small tenement by 
the side of Mrs. Daniel's yard and garden. The 
wretched wife and mother languished on a bed of 
sickness. Mrs. Daniel prepared her food, admin- 
istered her medicines, and did all she could to 
enlighten the unfortunate woman on the subject of 
a future state. Death soon liberating the sufferer, 
Mrs. Daniel, with thoughtful and tender care, 
provided for her the snowy habiliments of the 
grave. 

About the year 1822, Mrs. Daniel moved to 
the large brick building then owned by William 
Lynch, and since used as a temporary college. 
Soon becoming acquainted with the wants of her 
present neighborhood, she was ever ready to extend 
the hand of sympathy.* Having recovered, in a 
measure, from the death of her daughter, her health 
now restored, she, for several years, rejoiced in a 
genial atmosphere of prosperity. The death of 
her youngest son was another lesson of mortality, 
coming as a voice to remind her of the vanishing 
nature of earthly happiness. During the summer 
of 1825, her household was gladdened by a visit 
from a beloved sister and her family, and the gene- 
rous heart of Mrs. Daniel expanded in all the 



* The interesting invalids, William and Jane Lynch, were 
her peculiar care. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 79 

delights of sisterly intercourse. It was during the 
absence of Judge Daniel, at his circuit court in 
Cumberland, on the night of — October, the sum- 
mons came suddenly at midnight, and the terrified 
young family were aroused from rest, to behold 
their beloved mother in the agonies of death. We 
would fain throw a veil over the scenes of the 
next few days — the grief of her children, the 
anguish of the husband's return to his desolate 
home ; but, through the lapse of years, the im- 
pression of confused and hurried scenes of woe, is 
as vivid as is the tender and grateful remembrance 
of the many virtues of this noble-hearted woman : 

** Tell them, it is an awful thing to die, 

('Twas even so to thee ;) but the dread path once trod, 
Heaven lifts her everlasting portals high, 

And bids the pure in heart behold their God !" 



A few years after this mournful event, the man- 
sion of Judge Daniel was thrown open for a large 
assemblage, unshadowed with gloom. On the night 
of — December, 1827, the young, the old, the 
grave, the gay and the beautiful, thither hasted, to 
witness the bridal of Eliza, the lovely and gentle 
girl, the pride and delight of the circle in which 
she moved. She had given her young heart to 
William Lewis Cabell, and, as they stood before 
the venerable Minister, one was reminded of the 
delicate clematis in its native grace and beauty 



80 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

clinging to the wild, dark forest oak. His splendid 
dark eyes, hair and Spanish complexion, afforded 
a striking contrast to her fair complexion, brown 
hair, and laughing blue eyes. A smooth, unclouded 
journey seemed to lay before them; and, to add, if 
possible, to the tenderness and romance of this at- 
tachment, they were to live in a cottage — the stately 
mansion on his beautiful estate having been leased 
for a term of years previous to his marriage engage- 
ment. They even rejoiced at this; for they felt that 
there would be less to keep them asunder, in a small, 
simple abode than in a large dwelling: For them, 

** There was no home in halls of pride !" 

For more than two years they resided in their cot- 
tage ; the lease of his mansion having then expired, 
the building was put into a complete state of re- 
pair and newly fitted up, and the young husband 
and wife, leaving their simple abode, took posses- 
sion of the mansion-house. But, alas ! in a brief 
space, without any warning, a hereditary predis- 
position, consumption, claimed William Lewis Cabell 
for its victim. Medical aid was in vain ; hastily 
they journeyed to the Red Sulphur Springs, but 
the waters only accelerated the disease, and, early 
in the summer of 1830, he there breathed his last. 
Eliza had always said that she could not survive 
her husband, and truly prophetic were her words ; 
for, from the hour of his death, life was to her 



OF LYNCHBURG. 81 

a torture ; — the persons whom they had met, the 
scenes which together they had visited, the sound 
of military music that had been the signal for his 
appearing in the uniform in which, with girlish 
pride, she had so admired him, — all these were 
perfect agony to her, and she entreated that she 
might be borne away from a place where every 
object so forcibly reminded her of what she had 
lost. Her request was complied with, and she was 
carried to the home of her sister, in the county of 
Nelson, where, in a short time, the fatal spot ap- 
peared on her pale cheek, followed by a cough. 
Who that saw her at that time, could have recog- 
nized the blooming bride and happy wife, so lately 
at the summit of earthly happiness ! Insidiously and 
rapidly did the disease advance, and, ere the grass 
had waved, or the wild-flowers had bloomed, over 
the grave of the husband, his gentle wife had joined 
him in the world of spirits ! 

"Departed this life,* on Tuesday, the 26th instant, 
at Union Hill, the residence of Mayo Cabell, Esq., in 
the county of Nelson, Mrs. Eliza B. Cabell, relict of 
"William Lewis Cabell, deceased, late of Lynchburg, in 



* Since writing the above, the obituary was sent from Lynch- 
burg by one who dearly loved the deceased, and who has 
preserved the notice carefully, though quite a child at the time 
of Mrs. W. L. Cabell's death. 



82 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the 21st year of her age. When the aged and helpless 
pilgrim, who, with sorrowing steps, has toiled through 
life's painful journey, alternately sipping the bitter cup 
of human misfortune, and culling the few scanty 
flowerets of enjoyment which are strewed along his path, 
full of years and full of infirmities, bids adieu to the 
world's fleeting scenes, and sinks down forever into the 
last sad receptacle of humanity, we are oppressed with 
sorrow, and tears of affliction fill our eyes ! But our 
sorrow is mitigated, and our tears are dried up, by the 
reflection, that such is the inevitable fate of man, — such 
is the dreadful penalty which he owes to the violated 
law of his Creator. But when the young, the lovely 
and beautiful, — when they for whose fruition life seemed 
to be just unfolding its fairest prospects, — to whose en- 
raptured gaze the spring-time of existence had hardly 
disclosed its verdant and enchanting beauties, — are sud- 
denly snatched away in the midst of youth and loveli- 
ness; — then, indeed, is the cup of anguish presented, 
from which we recoil with horror — tears fill our eyes, 
which scald as they fall on our cheeks, and sorrow inex- 
pressible burthens our hearts. The kindly sympathy of 
friendship is forgotten and disregarded. Time, and time 
alone, can soften and alleviate our affliction. Such are 
the feelings inspired by the death of the interesting lady 
whose memory is designed to be respected by this brief 
notice. Young, lovely and beautiful — possessed of every 
charm that graces her sex, and every accomplishment 
which renders it irresistible ; — surrounded by aflectionate 
friends and relatives — furnished with every blessing that 
can gild the path of life, and smooth its rugged aspcri- 



OF LYNCHBURa. 83 

ties, — she seemed to be formed by Heaven, as its own 
especial favorite, designed for happiness — ^happiness here 
and hereafter. But unsearchable and mysterious are the 
ways of Providence ! The tie which bound her to life, 
seemed to have been burst asunder by the death of her hus- 
band; and, clinging to his memory with a constancy of 
affection peculiar to herself, she slowly and gradually 
declined, until, like the tender vine torn from the staff to 
which it clings, she drooped and sunk to the tomb, a monu- 
ment of female loveliness and conjugal affection. Such is 
life. The fair flower which bloomed but yesterday in 
matchless beauty, to-day is cut down and withered forever. 
The sylph-like form that lately moved among us, full of 
grace, full of sweetness, is now encircled in the cold, icy 
embrace of death ! What a commentary on the vanity of 
all human happiness ! How faithfully does it prove the 
slender tenure by which all earthly enjoyments are held, 
and speak to us in tones which we cannot disregard, 
the solemn warning — that, ^ In the midst of life, we are 
in death !' " 



84 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE IRVINE FAMILY. 

" A lighted lamp is a very small thing, and it burns 

calmly and without noise ; yet it giveth light to all who 

are within the house : And so there is a quiet influence, 

which, like the flame of a scented lamp, fills many a 

home with light and fragrance." 

M'Chetne. 

Charles Irvine was a native of Ireland, and 
a member of one of the first families of the Eme- 
rald Isle. Emigrating to America, he became the 
husband of Anne Rose, a daughter of Hugh Rose, 
Esq., of Amherst. Mr. Irvine was a liberal, high- 
minded, gentlemanly man, hospitable in the extreme, 
and fond of cultivating all those arts which embellish 
life, particularly music, which was necessary to his 
enjoyment ; so that he spared no pains or expense, 
in giving to his daughters every advantage calculat- 
ed to perfect them in that science. 

Mary Irvine, the eldest daughter, was a very 
beautiful and accomplished woman, and for several 
years she held the pre-eminence over all her con- 
temporaries in the circle in which she moved ; and 



OP LYNCHBURG. 85 

it was said that more than one duel had been fought 
by rival competitors for her hand. During her 
girlhood, she was the occasion of an accident which 
well-nigh resulted in a very tragic manner. Her 
father was rubbing and polishing some old pistols, 
which for a long time had laid in his desk. Calling 
to his daughters, who were standing by, to take 
them in their hands, he said to them : " With the 
exception of Mary, I have not a daughter with the 
least courage or bravery !" Whereupon, Mary 
seized one of the pistols, laughingly pointing it at 
her mother, then at Matilda, her sister, when, to 
the horror of all present, the pistol went off, and 
Matilda fell to the ground apparently dead. Rush- 
ing out of the house, Mary went, she knew not 
whither, and she had no recollection of anything, 
till she found herself in the house of a friend on 
Main street, with the family around her endeavoring 
to find out the cause of her agonized grief. By 
almost a miracle, Matilda's life was preserved, by 
means of a surgical operation. There had been, 
previous to this accident, a very peculiar attach- 
ment subsisting between these two sisters ; but after 
this time the cord seemed strengthened, and, on 
the part of Mary, this sisterly affection became 
almost idolatry. 

Mary Irvine, in 1814, became the wife of Samuel 
Anthony, Esq., and her fine traits expanded, adorn- 
ing the state of wife and mother. Her lot was 
8 



86 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

smooth and unclouded, till the year 1819, vrhen the 
pecuniary pressure occasioned to them a reverse 
as great as that experienced by many others in 
Lynchburg. It was then that her sterling qualities 
shone conspicuously, -whilst her mental resources 
still further developed themselves. Thus may it 
not be considered that trials are frequently our 
best friends ; and that they are one of the phases 
of our mortal existence, designed for our good, 
by the Author of our salvation, who " was made 
perfect through suffering" — and frequently do the 
dark clouds of adversity disperse, leaving behind a 
rich increase of such dispositions as are " pure, 
lovely, and of good report." The spirit of Mrs. 
Mary Anthony rose gently and serenely from the 
depressing influence of adversity, and for a time 
she willingly threw aside all those accomplishments 
with which she had so embellished life; and, 
retiring to the country with her husband, they 
took possession of a small cottage, which, with 
her taste, she adorned, till, from a wilderness, 
soon arose a cultivated garden, with flowers, vine- 
yards and orchard — her simple dwelling being 
the abode of the most kindly hospitality. In all 
the situations of life, this excellent woman faith- 
fully performed her duties; so that, as of Mary 
of old, she merited the commendation of our 
Saviour, " She hath done what she could !" And 
when, in 1820, the first English edition was pub- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 87 

listed of Washington Irving's Sketch Book, all 
who read his exquisite sketch of " The Wife," 
were struck with the remarkable resemblance of 
that lovely woman to Mrs. Mary Anthony. 

About the year 1832, Mrs. Anthony removed 
again to her native place, where she continued 
to reside till the time of her death. She was a 
devoted member of the Episcopal Church for some 
years, having connected herself with it during the 
time when that church was under the pastoral care 
of the Rev. F. G. Smith. She died in the summer 
of 1839, leaving the most satisfactory evidence 
that she was fully prepared to meet the Judge of 
all, and rejoicing in the hope of re-union with a 
beloved daughter who had died the year previous. 

Ann Eliza Irvine will long be remembered in 
Lynchburg. Her perfect beauty and early death, 
invest her with a tender and mournful interest, 
which is increased from associating her with the 
bright gifted spirit to whom she was united a 
year previous to her death. No portrait of her 
has been preserved; but a fancy picture of a 
French girl, much resembling her, is highly valued 
by the surviving members of the family. Shortly 
after the death of Ann Eliza, Mrs. Irvine went 
into the parlor of the late Mrs. Daniel, where 
hung this picture, and she was so much affected 
at the resemblance, that Mrs. Daniel immediately 



88 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

had it taken down and carried to the house of Mrs. 
Irvine. 

John Hampden Pleasants was the eldest son 
of James Pleasants, Esq., of Goochland county. 
The brilliant mind and great genius of this distin- 
guished man, is now the admiration of his native 
State; and well may Virginians feel a pride in 
claiming for their own John Hampden Pleasants. 
As early as 18 — he moved to Lynchburg, estab- 
lishing there a paper called " The Press." When 
he commenced his editorial career, the Press of 
Lynchburg was at a low ebb — the type, paper and 
printing were intolerable, and the articles dull. 
Hampden Pleasants produced a great revolution 
in this printing establishment ; and, even at that 
early date, he gave promise of that brilliant 
editorial career, which, in after years, awaited him. 
He was a first cousin of Ann Eliza Irvine, on 
the mother's side ; and their intercourse ripening 
into a devoted attachment, about the year 1819 or 
'20 they were married. She survived her marriage 
only one year, her death occurring so suddenly, as 
to cause her friends for some hours to suppose that 
she had only fainted. This mournful event threw 
a gloom over the whole town ; and, even now, the 
old inhabitants lower their voices and drop a tear 
when they speak of Ann Eliza Pleasants. 

Mrs. Frances Patterson, wife of Dr. John 



OP LYNCHBURG. 89 

Patterson, was the youngest daughter of Mrs. Ann 
Irvine. She was a pious, lovely woman. Dying 
many years since, she left two children, William 
M. Patterson, Esq., and Mrs. Ann Eliza Boggs, 
wife of the Rev. F. J. Boggs, of the Methodist 
Church. 

Rev. Samuel Irvine, of the Methodist Church, 
is a son of Mrs. A. Irvine. This worthy man is 
an acceptable Minister of the Gospel, highly 
esteemed in the community, and beloved in the 
church to which he belongs. 

The house at present occupied by Rev. Bishop 
Early, was, in 1821, the residence of Marcellus 
Smith, Esq. He was the associate editor with 
John H. Pleasants of the only paper at that time 
published in Lynchburg. Of brilliant talents, and 
refined, cultivated mind, Mr. Smith was worthy to 
have been joined with that gifted son of Virginia 
in wielding the mighty engine of social and politi- 
cal life. 

Some years previous, Mr. Marcellus Smith had 
married Marcella, the sister of John Hampden 
Pleasants. She was a lady of fine talents, possess- 
ing all those kindly virtues and excellent qualities, 
for which the family of Pleasants is so remarkable. 
This excellent and beloved lady survives her hus- 
band, making her home with her daughter in the 
county of Louisa. 



90 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



'^ Slight withal may be the things which bring back 
on the heart," not always, "the woes which it would 
fling aside forever," but many pleasing and amusing in" 
cidents of by-gone days. 

Portions of two old newspapers lie on the table ; 
and what a record of the past do they contain! 
One was printed about thirty-three years since, 
and, amongst other articles, it contains Chancellor 
Taylor's high-bred advertisement of his law-school, 
forcibly bringing before us his old-fashioned man- 
ner and polished address ; whilst one, printed 
twenty-seven years since, contains the obituary of 
one of the loveliest women of Lynchburg ; and 
close by that sad memorial, an advertisement of 
Claborne Gladman's* house — that yellow edifice, 
which stood in rear of the old Methodist Church, 
and which, for some purpose, was afterwards 
moved on rollers, with unheard-of difficulty, up the 
hill leading to the residence of Henry Dunnington, 
Esq. ; and, when placed half-way between that 
house and the dwelling of Mrs. Irvine, the work- 
men employed, rested from their labors, leaving 
the house there for several weeks,t to the intense 

* A well-known free colored man. 

f What would our worthy town-authorities of the present 
day, say in reference to a house placed in the middle of a street, 
and there left for several weeks ? A few years since, an 



OF LYNCHBURG. 91 

gratification and delight of the small boys of 
Lynchburg, who used the building as a play-place, 
•which only wanted a bell at the door to place it on 
a perfect equality with the "untenanted house" 
mentioned in ''Dickens' Sketches," where "ring- 
ing the door-bell was such a resource to the boys 
of the neighborhood, notwithstanding the numerous 
wash-hand basins of water thrown from the next 
house upon the youthful offenders, till the bell was 
taken off by a humane broker, and placed for sale 
in his own old establishment." 

The paper and type of this ancient newspaper 
are greatly inferior to that of the present day ; 
but " The Virginian" then, as well as at present, 
ranked amongst the very highest and best papers 
in the State. The spirits of Pleasants and of Toler 
seem yet mysteriously to linger around it ; and we 
are now reminded of the interesting period when 
that paper was under the able auspices of 
"Fletcher & Toler." 

Elijah Fletcher Esq., was a native of one of 
the New England States, and, on the father's 
side, was a near relative of " Grace Fletcher," 
the first wife of Daniel Webster. Mr. Fletcher 



old hack was driven up somewhere on Church street, where 
it remained for some time, eliciting numerous amusing editorial 
remarks, which greatly entertained the readers of *' The Vir- 
ginian." 



92 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

emigrated, when a young man, to Virginia, and 
settled near New Glasgow, Amherst county, where 
he married Miss Marie Antoinette Crawford, a 
lady of great intelligence, and a relative of Craw- 
ford, whom a few years subsequent was a can- 
didate for the Presidency of the United States. 
For a time, Mr. Fletcher was Principal of the 
Female Seminary of New Glasgow ; but, on remov- 
ing to Lynchburg, he took the charge of " The 
Virginian," assisted by Richard H. Toler. Mr. 
Fletcher devoted a considerable part of the columns 
of that paper to articles on agriculture, of which 
pursuit he was enthusiastically fond. Having 
amassed a large fortune, this gentleman retired to 
one of his estates in the county of Amherst, where 
his farming arrangements and domestic manage- 
ment are said to be the most superior in the State 
of Virginia. 

Richard H. Toler was a native of Rich- 
mond. His mother was early left a widow, in 
straitened circumstances, so that her son had 
nought to depend on, save his own exertions. He, 
for a while, lived in the office of one of the news- 
papers printed in Richmond ; but, on removing to 
Lynchburg, he was found to possess such talents 
and energy that he speedily rose in his profession 
of an editor, being second only to his great prede- 
cessor, John Hampden Pleasants. Greatly prized 



OF LYNCHBURG. 93 

and beloved in Lynchburg, the memory of Mr. 
Toler is one of the brightest recollections of the 
past ; nor is the interest lessened when we think of 
him in connection with Frances Duval, his devoted 
and excellent wife, who survived her marriage only 
a few years. She was second daughter of the 
good Major William Duval,* of Buckingham, 
inheriting from her honored parent all those lovely 
dispositions for which he was so remarkable. Mr. 
Toler was thrice married ; his last wife survives 
him, and is, we believe, a resident of Lynchburg. 



* This most excellent man was a perfect exemplification of 
the Christian character, and he deserves a long memoir, so that 
the influence of his bright example may still be felt by the 
rising generation. He "was at one time an eminent lawyer of 
the lower country; audit was during this time that Henry Clay 
lived in his office. When Mr. Clay visited Lynchburg many 
years since, he made an especial visit to Buckingham, to pass a 
few days with the friend and patron of his young days, Major 
William Duval. 



94 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE HARRISON FAMILY. 

" She had a wise, kind word for all. All loved her. 
All felt that her message was not from herself, nor of 
man's invention, but that in her Master's name, she 
invited others to ^' love and good works.'^ 

Biography of Mrs. Fry, ly her Daughter. 

Samuel Harrison was a native of Bedford 
county, and was, like the late Christopher Anthony, 
reared in then sages of the Society of Friends. 
His mother's maiden name was Jordan, and she 
was one of that old Virginia family from whom so 
many of our best citizens trace their descent. She 
was a sister of the venerable mother* of the late 
Christopher Anthony, and for many years the fami- 
lies resided happily in the good old neighborhood 
of Goose Creek, Bedford county. Whilst a young 
man, Mr. Harrison removing to Lynchburg, soon 



* This excellent lady survived her son some years, dying in 
Cincinnati about the summer of 1839; to wliich place she had, 
with her husband, emigrated abput 1812. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 95 

after was united in marriage to Sarah Burton, a 
young lady of fine disposition, and gifted in a great 
degree with strength of mind and energy of char- 
acter. Mr. Harrison possessed a fine order of in- 
tellect, united to great sprightliness of mind, so 
that at all times he was the witty, cheerful and 
agreeable companion. By his energy and industry 
he accumulated a fortune, and during the time of 
his prosperity, he planned and built the Frank- 
lin Hotel * of Lynchburg, which, with all the 
alterations since made, has never been so prosper- 
ous, desirable or convenient, as it was in its early 
days. 

The great pressure of 1819 caused Mr. Harrison, 
like many others in Lynchburg, to experience a re- 
verse of fortune ; but submitting cheerfully to cir- 
cumstances, he was still able, by means of the vigor 
and industry of his character, to make ample pro- 
vision for the comfort and education of a large 
family. He passed through a long life, surviving 
some years his estimable wife, and blessed in the 
respect and affection of his devoted children. 

Several years previous to his death, he made a 
public profession of religion, connecting himself 
with the Episcopal Church. This touching and in- 
teresting occasion was rendered still more so, from 



* Called the "Norvell House" at present. 



96 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the circumstance of two of his daughters standing 
as sponsors for their venerable parent at the baptis- 
mal font. During the remainder of his life, he was 
a meek, consistent Christian, deriving much peace 
and comfort from the services of the sanctuary. 

Mrs. Sarah Harrison was a lady of great 
worth and piety. She governed well and wisely at 
her beautiful home,* her establishment being a per- 
fect model of elegant management and domestic 
economy. 

A zealous and devoted member of the Methodist 
Church, she was one of that chosen band of females 
that so materially aided and strengthened the influ- 
ences of the pastors of that denomination. 

Like the good Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Mrs. 
Harrison may be said to have resembled in her 
walk through life, " one passing through the wards 
of a hospital, and stooping down on all sides to 
administer help where it was needed." 

A true sister of charity, constant in her visits to 
the sick and afflicted, a diligent member of the 
Dorcas Society, Mrs. Harrison thus passed through 
life, scattering good, and although from the depths 
of her heart she would say, in the language of the 
Psalmist, "Oh, my God, my goodness extendeth 
not to Thee, but to the saints and to the excellent 

* This home was the house now occupied by Anderson Armis- 
tead, Esq. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 97 

in whom is my delight; " it was in doing good to 
others that she in her life thus glorified God, and 
on her death-bed bearing fullest testimony to the 
sustaining grace of her Saviour, saying, in his own 
sacred words, that " her heart was neither troubled 
nor afraid." 

The five daughters of this family all survive, an 
unbroken sisterhood — Mrs. William Norvell, Mrs. 
Robert Robinson of Philadelphia, Mrs. Lorenzo 
Norvell of Lynchburg, Mrs. James Metcalfe of its 
vicinity, and Miss Mary E. Harrison of Bedford. 
All of these ladies are well known and esteemed 
in our community, as well for their superior wit 
and intelligence as for their admirable traits of 
character. 

Jesse Burton Harrison, second son of Samuel 
Harrison, Esq. was born about the year 1806. His 
boyhood was passed in his native place, where, in 
all of his school exercises, he greatly distinguished 
himself, and during this time the progress he made 
in his studies was such as to excite the wonder and 
admiration of his instructors. 

To an extraordinary memory and great quick- 
ness, he united remarkable perseverance and habits 
of application, together with a fondness for every 
branch of literature. Passing with distinction 
through Hampden Sidney College, he was then 
sent to Harvard University, where his proficiency 
9 



98 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 

"was SO great in all the branches he undertook, as 
to cause him to graduate there with high honors, 
eliciting marks of approbation from all the pro- 
fessors of Harvard, as well as from Thomas Jeffer- 
son, a visitor of that institution, who expressed his 
high appreciation of the young student in a most 
gratifying and complimentary letter to his father, 
Samuel Harrison, Esq. 

On leaving Cambridge, he studied for the bar, 
and, soon after obtaining a license, he established 
himself in his native place as a practising lawyer ; 
and though the bar was ably supplied by many 
so much older than himself, the success of J. 
Burton Harrison was much greater than usually 
attends the young barrister under these circum- 
stances. 

A few years subsequent to this time, he deter- 
mined to make the tour of Europe, and to visit 
in particular the celebrated German Universities — 
perhaps with some reference to there obtaining a 
professorship, or of embarking in some literary en- 
terprise. In the month of , he accordingly set 

sail for the French capital, and, on arriving, he was 
kindly received by Virginians, resident in the city 
of Paris, and with them he enjoyed the privilege of 
visiting the Marquis La Fayette and other distin- 
guished Frenchmen of that time. His letters, writ- 
ten at this period to his friends at home, possessed 
great interest, and were worthy of publication. He 



OF LYNCHBUKG. 99 

traveled through Germany, and had access to all 
the distinguished literary institutions, forming the 
acquaintance of many erudite German professors, 
the learning of whom he confessed astonished him : 
for he wrote that it w^as astonishing to see so many 
great men, whose names and reputation extended 
not beyond the walls of their Universities. For 
some cause or other, he, at this time, abandoned 
forever any wish or desire to occupy a post in a 
University, and, shortly afterwards, he returned to 
his native land, his mind much enlightened by his 
travels, and his manners having acquired all the 
ease, elegance and polish of the French nation. 

It is much to be regretted that Mr. Harrison did 
not at least write a description of his tour through 
Germany. Had he done so, his book might pro- 
bably have rivalled and excelled the popular work 
of William Howitt, " The Student Life of Ger- 
many,"* and a flood of light and interest might 
have been thrown around the literature of that 
country, entirely divesting it of all darkness, ob- 
scurity and mysticism, with which Thomas Carlyle 
has surrounded it. But, though fully capable of 
writing eloquently, Mr. Harrison, with the exception 
of his speeches, has left no published writings to 



* This work was written by a German for William Howitt, 
and by him it was translated into English, and we believe that 
Mr, Harrison could have himself written on this subject an 
&,ble book. 



100 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

attest bis superior intellect and high literary attain- 
ments. It is a saying of Thucydides, that *' igno- 
rance is bold and knowledge reserved ;" and the 
fact that Jesse Burton Harrison has left behind 
him no literary work, goes far to prove that this 
ancient writer was correct in his opinion. 

In the year 1832, leaving his native State, he 
settled in the city of New Orleans, where, in a few 
years, he was married to a lady residing in that 
city. His health becoming much impaired, he, 
in the summer of 1840, returned to Lynchburg, 
and thence with his father visiting the watering 
places of Virginia. In the autumn he returned to 
Louisiana, and he was destined never more to gaze 
on his beloved native hills, nor feel invigorated by 
the pure life-giving winds that had gladdened him 
in boyhood. During the w^inter of the succeeding 
year, he breathed his last in New Orleans, and his 
remains repose in the cemetery near the city. In 
the hearts of those who knew and esteemed him, 
his memory is deeply enshrined, and we cherish a 
pride in claiming for our own beloved native place, 
Jesse Burton Harrison. 

Extract from the Address of James P. Holcombe, Esq., before the 
Society of the Alumni of the University of Virginia. 

*^No nation can retain its character in the scale of 
history, without a distinct and original literature. The 
literature which would express the spirit or supply the 



OP LYNCHBURG. 101 

wants of a people, must not be filtered through the 
strata of a foreign society, but drawn fresh from the 
wells of a native soil. Noble sentiments, beautiful 
imagery, profound thoughts, lives of heroism or beauty, 
speak to us from what region or in what tone they may, 
must always inform, delight and elevate the soul. But 
when embodied in a foreign language, and tinctured 
with the colors of a social and political atmosphere 
remote from our own, they do not possess the power that 
belongs to a literature which can thrill the heart with 
the echoes of its mother's tongue. I fully subscribe to 
the remark made by one of Virginia's most gifted sons, 
whose taste, learning and genius would have placed 
him, but for an untimely death, by the side of Legare,* 
that the practical loss to mankind, if arithmetic was 
reduced to counting on the fingers, would be less than 
if the department of fancy was blotted out of our libra- 
ries ; for practical, to all intents and purposes, must that 
knowledge be, which raises or keeps alive any feeling 
touched to fine issues. Yes, far beyond the horizon of 
a sense-bound existence, in the sacred regions of poetry 
and philosophy, lie those eternal springs which alone can 
keep fresh and warm the inner life of a people. A 
literature which draws its aliment from the materials 
that surround their daily walk — which embellishes with 
its forms of grace — and images of beauty their world 



* The late J. Burton Harrison. It is peculiarly appropriate 
that this beautiful extract should form the connecting link be- 
tween the brief memoir of J. B. Harrison, and the Cyclopaedia 
of Lynchburg Literature. 



102 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

of home "wliicli takes up fhe gross body of popular 
sentiment and opinion, and, by the transfiguring power 
of geniuS; converts its muddy vesture of decay into a 
luminous mantle of immortality; — such a literature 
must be fruitful of results upon the character and 
destiny of a people. It cannot but infuse into their 
bosoms such a sense of the dignity of human nature, 
and the true ends of human life, as will either work 
its way through all difficulties to freedom and civilization, 
or invest the adverse fortunes of the nation with a glory, 
which, like the beauty of Juliet, shall make the grave 
itself ^^ a feasting presence bright with light/^ 



OF LYNCHBURG. 103 



CYCLOPEDIA OF LYNCHBURG LITERATURE. 

"There lias been no question so often asked, and 
so variously answered, of late years, as this : ' Shall 
the South have a literature of her own ?' It is one 
of vital importance to her social and political interests — 
a question on which hangs the integrity of her peculiar 
institutions, and on which is based the preservation 
of her social and political independence/' — Southerii 
Literary Messenger. 

In this chapter will be given a brief sketch of 
some of the literary characters of Lynchburg, a 
few of whom have been eminent for literary pro- 
gress and mental cultivation ; and it is but due 
that the brothers, Harvey and Stephen Mitchell, 
should have the first place, not only as pioneers, 
but as gentlemen of fine talents and literary taste. 

Harvey Mitchell, well known and beloved 
in our community, spent his boyhood and early 
youth in the toAvn of Lynchburg. His parents 
resided in the county of Amherst, at a beautiful 
place, visible from almost every point of Lynch- 



104 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

burg; and their vicinity to town enabled the 
children of the family to attend daily the schools 
of Lynchburg. When a small boy, Harvey Mitchell 
manifested a great talent for drawing, painting and 
taking likenesses ; and with this was combined, a 
genius highly poetic — his knowledge of drawing 
enabling him to view with a poet's eye the whole 
page of Nature. He practised his profession of 
portrait painter, in the town of Lynchburg, for 
some years, writing manuscript pieces for his 
friends, as well as articles for periodicals. En- 
dowed with wit, and with a spirit and genius akin 
to that of Sidney Smith, there is no doubt but 
that Harvey Mitchell was even superior to that 
gentleman, who has of late years acquired such 
celebrity in the world of letters. His sketches 
were illustrated by his own humorous drawings, 
and his writings were somewhat in the style of 
those of Port Crayon, who has contributed in the 
last two years so agreeably to Harper's Magazine ; 
and had Mr. Mitchell's articles been published also 
in the North, they would have attracted more 
notice and would have obtained greater success. 
Mr. Mitchell also wrote dramas, depicting admi- 
rably the foibles of the community in which he 
lived. In conjunction with Stephen Mitchell, his 
younger brother, he attempted to publish a period- 
ical, but the undertaking failed for want of suflficient 
encouragement. Mr. Harvey Mitchell resides, at 



OP LYNCHBURa. 105 

present, In the city of Washington, "where he holds 
an office under Government. 

Stephen Mitchell was a young lawyer of 
great promise, and of fine literary taste. About 
twenty-eight years since he made ineffectual efforts 
to resuscitate the literature of his native State, by 
publishing a periodical, but meeting with so many 
discouragements, he was forced to abandon the 
enterprise. He wrote a play, called " The Maid 
of Missilonghi," which was, without doubt, a 
splendid literary production. He carried it to 
New York, where the managers of the Bowery 
theatre were so delighted with it, that they offered 
a very liberal sum for it, which was to be paid 
immediately after its reception on the stage. 
Accordingly, splendid scenery and magnificent 
dresses were provided for the occasion, and the 
young author already saw plainly before him the 
path to fame. But, alas ! for the uncertainty of 
human affairs ! The very day before the one fixed 
for the performance, the Bowery theatre taking 
fire, the scenery and dresses were consumed, and, 
worse than all, the manuscript of " The Maid of 
Missilonghi" was burned; and, as no copy had 
been preserved, the reading public were thus 
debarred the pleasure of perusing this beautiful 
production. Under these favorable auspices, had 
this play been brought out, it would probably have 



106 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

held a rank almost equal to Bulwer's "Lady of 
Lyons." Shortly after this disastrous overthrow 
of all his hopes, Stephen Mitchell, returning to 
Virginia, made Norfolk his temporary home, and, 
his health declining rapidly, in a brief period he 
"was numbered with the dead. 

George Tucker, Esq., was a native of the 
Island of Bermuda, from which place he had 
emigrated when a very young man. He removed 
with his family to Lynchburg, about the year 1817, 
and resided in that town till the opening of the 
University of Virginia. Being appointed Professor 
of Moral Philosophy in that institution, he, for 
some years, filled that post with great ability. 
During his residence in Lynchburg, he wrote a 
touching little memoir, called " BecoUections of 
Rosalie," a beloved daughter, who died in the 
winter of 1818. The work has been printed and 
published at his own expense, by a man named 
Boyce, and the binding would do credit to any 
publishing house of the present day — so neatly and 
substantially done, that, after a lapse of thirty- 
eight years, the little volume looks fresh and new. 
It was during his residence in Lynchburg that Mr. 
Tucker also wrote "The Valley of Shenandoah." 
The descriptions, in that novel, of Virginia life, 
are unsurpassed, and the pictures of slavery in the 
the Old Dominion arc quite inimitable. Since then 



OF LYNCHBURG. 107 

he has written " The Voyage to the Moon," and 
" The Life of Jefferson," a voluminous work, which 
has placed his reputation as a writer on a firm basis 
in the literary world. This polished and intelligent 
gentleman now lives in the city of Philadelphia, 
where he is said to be at present employed on a 
new work, the appearance of which will be anxiously 
desired by his friends and admirers. 

Mrs. Ann Ursula Byrd was a sister of the late 
Mr. William Munford, for many years the able and 
efficient Clerk of the House of Delegates. She 
was the wife of William Otway Byrd, Esq., of 
Westover ; and subsequently to his death, she took 
up her residence in the town of Lynchburg, making 
her home with two married daughters living in that 
town. Mrs. Bryd was a most excellent woman, 
with a vigorous mind and poetic fancy. Delighting 
greatly in reading, her memory was so remarkable 
that she was able to recall at will the pleasure 
derived long since from books she had perused. 
For many years she was engaged in writing a 
novel, and hopes, at one time, were entertained 
of its publication ; but, for some cause or other, it 
has never appeared in print. The work was styled 
"Education, or the Family of Mountflorence ;" 
and it was pronounced exceedingly interesting by 
those who had the privilege of its perusal. A few 
years previous to her death, this lady had a violent 



108 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

spell of illness, causing her for a time to lose her 
memory almost entirely, so that she could only 
remember a few choice pieces of old English poetry. 
On regaining her health to a degree, and discover- 
ing that she had forgotten how to read, with a 
strength of mind and perseverance worthy of 
being imitated, she immediately commenced at the 
simple rudiments, and actually learned again to 
spell and read. She was a devout Episcopalian, 
and was one amongst the few belonging to that 
church at the time of its establishment in Lynch- 
burg. This amiable woman lived to an advanced 
age, and died in the city of Lynchburg, where 
her remains are interred. 

Bransford Yawter was a native of Lynchburg, 
and was born about the year 1815 or 'l6. His 
father was, by profession, a tailor, and he had been 
one of the oldest and earliest settlers of the place. 
Mr. Yawter was a man of some eccentricities, 
but he possessed good sense, combined with great 
honesty and a most kindly disposition. He was 
particularly attached to Bransford,* his second 

* Mr. Vawter was justly proud of this son, whom he always 
addressed as ♦' Buddy," bestowing on his oldest boy the soubri- 
quet of "Jake." When under the influence of ardent spirits, 
Mr. Vawter would seat himself in his upper window, carelessly 
attired, singing out the following recitative: "The world is 
good, the people are good, and God bless ' Buddy' forever" — 
adding then, in a sort of undertone, — " and, at the same time, 
please don't forget Jake !" 



OF LYNCHBURG. 109 

son, but he gave each of the brothers every 
advantage of education that could be procured in 
Lynchburg. At a very early age Bransford was 
remarkable for his elegant personal appearance and 
graceful manners ; and, as he grew up, his mental 
gifts so developed themselves, that he was found to 
possess talents of a superior order. A high-minded, 
chivalrous young man — honorable in his feelings 
and distinguished by his winning modesty — Brans- 
ford Yawter will ever be remembered with interest 
and affection by friends and school-mates with 
whom he was associated in Lynchburg ; and had 
he lived, he would doubtless have ranked high 
among the poets of his native land. His early 
death was a great disappointment to his numerous 
friends in Lynchburg ; — the light of a brilliant 
genius was suddenly quenched, and only a few of 
his pieces have been preserved to attest his poetic 
talent. The following song has been set to music, 
and is sung throughout the United States, whilst 
few are aware of their authorship, or of the feel- 
ings which prompted the lines : 

" I'd oflfer thee this hand of mine, 

If I could love thee less, 
But hearts so warm, so fond as thine, 

Should never know distress. 
My fortune is too hard for thee, 

'Twould chill thy dearest joy; 
I'd rather vpeep to see thee free, 

Than win thee to destroy. 

12 



110 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

I leave thee in thy happiness, 

As one too dear to love — 
As one I think of but to bless, 

As wretchedly I rove. 
And Oh! when sorrow's cup I drink, 

All bitter though it be, 
How sweet 'twill be for me to think, 

It holds no drop for thee. 

And now my dreams are sadly o'er, 

Fate bids them all depart, 
And I must leave my native shore, 

In brokenness of heart. 
And Oh, dear one ! when far from thee, 

I ne'er know joy again, 
I would not that one thought of me, 

Should give thy bosom pain." 

After the appearance of these lines, a great 
curiosity was felt to know the name of the author ; 
and, accordingly, an advertisement was inserted in 
a periodical, desiring him to avow himself, for it 
was the intention of the proprietors to award him 
a prize. Bransford Vawter then acknowledged 
himself to have been the author, and an expensive 
volume was immediately forwarded to him by the 
proprietors of the Magazine. 

Mrs. Margaret Cabell Bell, wife of Lieute- 
nant Bell, U. S. N., at present a resident of 
Newburgh, New-York, was a former resident of 
Lynchburg. She is the daughter of the late Major 
E-ichard Pollard, Chargd-des-Aifaircs to Chili, and a 
grand-daughter of the late Robert Rives, Esq., of 



OF LYNCHBURG. Ill 

Oakridge, Nelson county, Virginia ; at which place 
she was born. This lady possesses a very superior 
mind and fine talents. Some years since she 
contributed largely to the Literary Messenger, 
as well as to several periodicals published in the 
North. One of her poetical eiFusions, which, some 
years since, appeared in the Messenger, attracted, 
at the time, much notice and commendation, and is 
still remembered with much pleasure by those who 
have read it. The piece was called, " Lines on 
seeing a sprig of laurel from my birth-place" — and, 
about the time of its appearance, she wrote for the 
same periodical a novellette, entitled ^' The Vicis- 
situdes of Life :" it possessed great interest, and 
was written in a most finished style. This accom- 
plished lady has written many other interesting 
articles; but, of late, we believe, she has not 
published any of her writings. 

A few years since, Mrs. Martha Harrison 
Robinson, a sister of the late Jesse B. Harrison, 
translated, from the French, a celebrated work, 
for which, from the reviews, she received the 
highest commendation. It was said that the sense 
of the original was perfectly preserved, and the 
style unimpaired by the translation, so as for the 
work to be fully appreciated by the American 
reader. Works of this sort generally suffer much 
from their translation ; and, it is said that, whilst 



112 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

in this country, the son of Marquis de la Fayette 
■was heard to say, that " Corinne" (Madame de 
Stael's celebrated work) had been so marred by 
the English translation, that no one could have 
a proper perception of its beauties, unless it was 
read in the French language. The same remarks 
are also frequently made respecting the beautiful 
little book called *' Picciola," 

Mrs. Cornelia M. Jordan is a native and 
resident of Lynchburg, and is on the mother's side 
a near relative of the Goggin family of Bedford 
county. Mrs. Jordan is a lady of decided poetic 
talent, and amongst her pieces, the lines on 
" Confirmation" deserve a higher place than the 
corner of a newspaper. Of late she seems to 
have confined herself to literature for very young 
children, and we hope that she will persevere in 
that department, till she makes herself as useful 
as Mrs. Trimmer or Mrs. Barbaald. 

The talented and excellent Mrs. Woodson* laid 
our children under great obligations by the pub- 
lication of " The Southern Home" — and her 
untimely death is deplored by the rising generation 
as a real misfortune. It is highly desirable that 
we should have a juvenile literature of our own : 
such books as " Queechy " and "Wide, Wide 

* Of Charlottesville. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 113 

World " are not adapted to Southern children ; 
and, until they can procure better books than 
^* My Brother's Keeper," it is high-time for the 
South to arise and furnish literature for the young, 
"which can afford amusement and instruction. 

Dr. Valentine, the celebrated ventriloquist 
and entertaining delineator of eccentric charac- 
ters, was, in the year 1829, a resident of Lynch- 
burg, being employed in the druggist establishment 
of the late Dr. Howell Davies ; and doubtless he 
was at that very time, like " Count Smorltolk" 
(Mr. Pickwick's great traveller), laying up mate- 
rials in his brain for the very amusing book 
published by him a few years since. Even at that 
early period Dr. Valentine showed strong talents 
for the line of life he has since chosen. He was 
somewhat an improvisatore, and performed in 
private for the amusement of his friends and 
acquaintances. He was a man of gentlemanly 
appearance, of good family, well-educated, and a 
native of one of the Northern States. He made 
a wise choice in selecting for his profession that of 
a. ventriloquist and delineator of eccentric charac- 
ter. It is much better to take at once to the stage, 
than to be an amateur-professor of these arts. 

[Since the above "was penned, an advertisement in the Vir- 
ginian tells us that Dr. Valentine has recently visited Lynch- 
burg, delighting the good people of the place by his exquisitely 
humorous exhibitions.] 



114 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF LYNCHBUKG. 

*' 'Tis sweet to view from half-past five to sis, 
Our long wax-candles, with short cotton-wicks, 
Touch'd by the lamp-lighter's Promethean art, 
Start into life, and make the lighter start : 
To see red Phoebus through the gallery pane, 
Tinge with its beams the beams of Drury Lane, 
While gradual parties fill our widen'd pit, 
And gape and stare and wonder as they sit." 

Horace Smith's imitation of Rev. G. Crabhe. 

" You've only got to curtesy, whisp- 
er, hold your chin up, laugh and lisp, 

And then you're sure to take : 
I've known the day, when brats not quite 
Thirteen, got fifty pounds a-night. 
Then why not Nancy Lake ? 

Horace Smith's imitation of Wordsworth. 

The site of the reservoir was a public lot, called 
" Black's Lot" — and it was there, in 1819, that 
the Circus companies reared their pavilions, and 
there nightly did the ring-master and clown delight 
an admiring audience, — the frequent repetition of 
their wit and repartee having not the smallest 
effect to diminish the rapture with which all their 



OF LYNCHBURG. 115 

sallies were received by the throng wliicli con- 
stantly attended their exhibitions. In those days, 
it was said that equestrian companies came earlier 
and staid later in the season in Lynchburg, than 
at any other town of its size in the Union. 

Some few years later, the Circus was held on 
the lot on which now stands the house erected by 
Captain Jesse Perry ; and, for a season, Clown 
Lewis, Messrs. Hunt and Foster, Master Lipman 
and Birdsall were the admiration of the town. On 
one occasion, during their performance, a violent 
thunder-storm raged, so as to put an end for 
the night to the exhibition, and the audience had 
to take shelter in the ring with the performers. 
On a near approach, how much of their grandeur 
disappeared, and how paltry looked then their 
spangles and decorations ; and what a great dis- 
appointment ensued, on finding the grotesque 
expression of the clown's face was altogether 
owing to paint and burned cork. 

A few years after this, an equestrian company 
was established on the vacant lot belonging to 
Dr. John Cabell, and just above his residence. 
They were enjoying a brisk popularity; and one 
night, the audience being particularly brilliant, the 
performers were so elated that some of them began 
to play off practical jokes upon those upon whom 
they thought they might venture with impunity. 
Dr. John Cabell had come in quietly and taken 



116 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

his seat in a retired part of the pavilion. Having 
heen engaged that day in practice, and feeling 
much fatigued, Dr. Cabell soon fell asleep. The 
clown, entirely ignorant of the rank of this dis- 
tinguished gentleman, "walked, or ran up to him 
in a very comic manner, saying, " Wake up, old 
gentleman, I say — presently you'll be going home, 
saying you did not see any of the performance !" 
But the wrong passenger had certainly been waked 
up this time. Dr. Cabell, jumping up from his 
slumbers, seized the astonished and terrified clown, 
crying out "'Blood and thunder' — pack up and 
be off from here before day to-morrow !" The 
performance was stopped, the audience retired, 
and the grand trampaline, hastily assembling, 
came into council. It was decided that the most 
imposing of their number should go immedi- 
ately, offer an apology, and petition for a little 
delay in their sentence of departure. After a 
brief interview this permission was granted, and 
their bills for the next night's performance were 
posted up in the morning, exhibiting a more 
tempting programme than had ever before been 
presented to the good folks of Lynchburg ; and 
these performers were in future very studious to 
avoid anything approaching to a practical joke. 

It was from Black's lot that Messrs. Dunnihew & 
Charles for a series of months sent up their 
balloons, which, though they were not as now, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 117 

made of silk and inflated with gas, still they were 
really pretty exhibitions, delighting a Lynchburg 
audience ; and their failures produced as great 
excitement amongst this primitive people, as did 
their success. A lad by the name of Ogilbie, 
reared in Lynchburg, was so much allured by their 
mode of life, that, leaving his profession, he ap- 
peared before his former acquaintances at the gate 
or entrance of the lot, to dispose of tickets of 
admission ; and so much were his former associates 
dazzled at his appearance in all the grandeur of 
pink cambric, black cotton-velvet and spangles, 
that for some time he was not recognised. 

These balloons were inflated by means of burning 
brown paper dipped in spirits-of-turpentine, placed 
in a small wire car. On one occasion, two balloons 
were sent up — Adams and Crawford ; but, on 
cutting the cords, by reason of some failure, the 
balloons refused to ascend. Adams went a short 
distance, landing to the delight and ecstacy of 
Lynchburg, in the well-lot belonging to Mr. C. An- 
thony, whilst Crawford rolled pensively over the 
heads of the alarmed audience, occasionally drop- 
ping amongst them coals of fire and burning paper 
from its conflagration — brothers and sisters, parents 
and children, husbands and wives* being parted in 

* A bride and bridegroom attended this exhibition, and the 
tragico-comico distress of the husband and piercing cries for 
his bride, were amusing at the time. 



118 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the confusion. Sometimes these exhibitions were 
very successful and went off with great eclat, but 
to the major part who attended, the conflagration 
of balloons was considered as a sort of impromptu 
fire-works. A splendid ascension was made on one 
evening, the balloon soaring gracefully away and 
taking a direction towards Amherst Courthouse. 
Descending to the earth a few miles this side of 
that place, it greatly alarmed the inhabitants of 
the plantation, particularly an old lady, who, 
fancjang that the day of judgment had arrived, 
mistook the balloon for the angel Gabriel in a 
chariot of fire. 

A short distance above the reservoir, was a long 
low brick building, which was then used as a place 
for theatrical performances,* and, though small, it 
was well adapted to the purpose, having side-boxes 
and a pit: the scenery, too, was good, and the 
amateur orchestra, playing for the Thespian So- 
ciety, was very superior. 

Though the writer has since that time seen 
Hackett, Burton, and other celebrated comedians, 
yet, putting aside all partiality for residents of 



* A ■wooden tenement, opposite the Norvell-House, was first 
used as a theatre by Thespians — the tickets were presented to 
friends, and no charge was made ; the performance, too, was 
very good. This house was afterwards " Dandrige's Carriage 
Manufactory." 



OF LYNCHBURG. 119 

Lynchburg, she has seen no performer who had so 
good a perception of our English comedy, as the 
late Hardin Murrell. The late Mr. Giles Word 
and William Digges also had considerable dramatic 
talents, and the plays of Colman, Cumberland, 
Sheridan, Foote and Mrs. Inchbald, were well per- 
formed by this Thespian Society. 

George P. Richardson, Esq., a resident of 
Lynchburg, was thought to have a very decided 
talent for the drama. He often appeared in the 
company of Thespians, sustaining his parts with 
ability, and eliciting warm applause from the audi- 
ences of Lynchburg. A reverse of fortune occur- 
ing, he was induced to resort to the stage as a 
means of support. He accordingly became mana- 
ger of the Richmond Theatre, and though his 
career was a brilliant one, yet it resulted to him in 
no pecuniary benefit. Soon afterwards he em- 
barked for England, and appearing on the boards 
of Druly Lane Theatre, he there met with a severe 
disappointment. His performance was not appre- 
ciated, and in a brief time he returned to his native 
country.* The first strolling players who appeared 
in Lynchburg were "Brown's Company," who 
visited the town in 1821. In this company were 



* It is not remembered whether he took to the stage on his 
return. 



120 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS. 

some superior performers. Placide at that time 
was a young and handsome man, possessing fine 
manners and a beautiful countenance. Many ro- 
mantic stories were told of this young actor, and 
it was said that whilst in Lynchburg he formed a 
devoted attachment. ***** j^ after 
years Placide was a distinguished performer in the 
Northern theatres, doubtless having gained a pro- 
per appreciation of himself, and obtaining suiEcient 
confidence in his powers during his performance in 
Lynchburg. 

A few years after, Herbert's Company made a 
considerable sensation in Lynchburg ; but the last 
strolling company performing in this old theatre was 
"Cargill's Company," which appeared in Lynch- 
burg during the year 1828, and remained* there 



* This Company came to Lynchburg in considerable style, 
being conveyed in carriages and buggies, and their wardrobe, 
&c., being brought in baggage-wagons. But after remaining 
there twelve months, they prepared to leave the town by going 
in batteau boats down the river. An inhabitant of the place 
enquired of Beverly Snow, a well known free colored man, what 
mode of conveyance the Company designed taking. Where- 
upon this well known individual, with his customary deferential 
manner, replied : " I believe, sir, that the play-actors have con- 
cluded to glide smoothly down the stream," which was certainly 
one of the greatest euphemisms, under the circumstaoces, ever 
uttered in Lynchburg. Beverly Snow was a highly respected 
free colored man, and, with his worthy wife, Judith Snow, kept 
an oyster-house at the corner house afterwards occupied by Col- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 121 

nearly twelve months. These performers were 
really good, not at all resembling the celebrated one 
of Mr. Crummies in Nicholas Nickleby, nor was it ne- 
cessary for them to resort to sending out in person 
the ^' Phenomenon," in order to engage tickets. Mr. 
Cargill was a gentlemanly man, and Mrs. Cargill 
was said to be lady-like and educated, whilst the 
beautiful Mary Cargill, their daughter, was univer- 
sally beloved and respected in Lynchburg. Those 
good old days have long since passed ; the old the- 
atre no longer occupies the spot where it then stood, 
whilst Dudley and Masonic Halls are now used for 
such performances. But the great defect in Dud- 
ley Hall is, that the audience have all to sit in 
front of the performance, and rather lower than 
the stage. The absence of scenery, too, is felt 
sensibly ; and the Avon Troupe neither compares 
with the companies mentioned above, nor the Thes- 
pian Societies which formerly existed in Lynchburg. 



lins as a saddler's shop. This free man waited, we believe, on 
Mr. Van Buren whilst President, and he afterwards kept an 
eating-house in the West. 



11 



122 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 



METHODIST CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG. 

"John Wesley was more learned, and, in all re- 
spects, better fitted to become the leader and founder 
of a sect. His father was rector of Epworth, in Lin- 
conshire, where John was born in 1703. He was 
educated at Oxford, where he and his brother Charles 
and a few other students lived in a regular system of 
pious study and discipline, whence they were denomi- 
nated ' Methodists.^ After officiating a short time as 
curate to his father, the young enthusiast set off as a 
missionary to G-eorgia, where he remained about two 
years. Shortly after his return in 1738, he commenced 
field-preaching, occasionally traveling through every part 
of Great Britain and Ireland, where he established 
congregations of Methodists. Thousands flocked to his 
standard. The grand doctrine of Wesley was universal 
redemption, as contra-distinguished from the Calvinistic 
doctrine of particular redemption. Wesley continued 
writing, preaching and traveling, till he was eighty-eight 
years of age, his apostolic earnestness and venerable 
appearance procuring for him everywhere profound re- 
spect. He had preached about forty thousand sermons, 
and traveled three hundred thousand miles. His highly 
useful and laborious career was terminated on the 2nd of 
March, 1791. His body lay in a kind of state in his 



OF LYNCHBURG. 123 

chapel at London, the day previous to his interment, 
dressed in his clerical habit, with gown, cossack, and 
band — the old clerical cap on his head, a bible in one 
hand and white handkerchief in the other. The funeral 
service was read by one of his old preachers. When he 
came to that part of the Service, which reads — ' Foras- 
much as it hath pleased Grod to take unto himself the 
soul of our deceased Brother,' his voice changed, and 
he substituted the word Father — and the feeling with 
which he did this was such, that the congregation, who 
were shedding silent tears, burst at once into loud weep- 
ing.* At the time of Wesley's death, the number of 
Methodists in Europe, America, and the West India 
Islands, was eighty thousand; they are now above a 
million, three hundred thousand of which are in Grreat 
Britain and Ireland.'' 

Chambers' Sketch of John Wesley. 

The old Methodist Church of Lynchburg was 
founded in 1804, and, since that time, it has con- 
tinued in a high state of prosperity, enjoying the 
pastoral care of able ministers, and numbering 
many active, influential members. The first re- 
collection of this place of worship, is in the year 
1819 or '20, when the church was principally under 
the care of the Rev. John Early. His constant, 
untiring labors, have, since that time, never ceased, 



* Southey's Life of Wesley. 



124 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

till, by imperceptible degrees, tbe Methodist church, 
in upper Virginia, has spread like a great vigorous 
tree, around whose roots are continually springing 
up smaller ones. Notwithstanding the active em- 
ployment and frequent travelling necessary in his 
profession. Bishop Early has spent a great portion of 
his ministerial life in Lynchburg, which through time 
and eternity will continue to feel his influence. A 
small, beautiful rose, designated as " the miniature 
rose," was many years since introduced into Lynch- 
burg by Bishop Early, who has always had a great 
fondness for flowers. A few small shoots were 
brought by him from one of his circuits, and by 
him distributed amongst his friends, and from these 
plants have descended all that numerous family of 
roses now seen in upper Virginia. Frequently, 
where other plants would not grow, this tenacious, 
hardy shrub would flourish, and, in its progress from 
year to year, eradicating more delicate plants, and 
sometimes, in its course, wholly uprooting from the 
soil, weeds, thistles, and even brambles. A strong 
analogy exists between this simple plant, in its sure, 
rapid constant progress, and the labors of Bishop 
Early, which have been arduous, incessant and un- 
remitted, till Methodism in the upper country has 
become established on a sure basis, other systems, 
where less zeal has been manifested, giving way 
before its animating worship. 

Bishop Early was married, in 1821, to Elizabeth 



OF LYNCHBURG. 125 

Rives, a young lady of great wortli and piety. She 
was then in all the freshness and bloom of early 
"womanhood, and it might naturally have been sup- 
posed that she would sometimes, like other young 
persons, be allured or carried away, particularly in 
conversation. But she was grave, modest, digni- 
fied — never losing sight of what was due to herself 
as the wife of a minister, and never forgetting that 
the great business of a Christian professor was to 
show forth the beauty of holiness, not only with 
her lips, but in her life ; and, doubtless, much of 
the prosperity of the Methodist Church has been 
owing to her influence, together with that of other 
eminent females. Though only a small child, the 
writer remembers with peculiar pleasure, an evening 
spent, at that time, with Mrs. Early,* in company 
with a few other friends. It was whilst Mrs. Early 
was a bride — the bright, beautiful flush of health 
was on her cheek, her mild, thoughtful eye beaming 
with love and kindness — and her image, as she then 
appeared, will ever remain deeply engraven on 
memory; whilst her recent departure from our 
midst, has tenderly recalled incidents and scenes 
long past and nearly forgotten,! but now cherished 
with pensive retrospection. 



■^ At the house now occupied by Henry Dunnington, Esq. 
f This excellent lady died during the spring of 1857. 



126 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

About the year 1821, the Rev. George W. 
Charlton made Lynchburg his residence. He 
was a man of splendid personal appearance ; and, 
being gifted with great eloquence, he exercised a 
sway and influence which has rarely been exceeded. 
His church was crowded, his catechism schools 
were full, his society was as much sought by the 
gay and worldly as by the grave and pious. He 
lived in the house of Mr. John Thurmon ; and, 
though Mr. Charlton might have much contributed 
to the brilliancy of society, yet he rarely accepted 
invitations, never to parties, and very rarely would 
he meet more than a few friends on a social visit. 
He was, indeed, a zealous young minister ; and his 
sermons were so striking, that the attention even of 
the most worldly, was arrested. During his resi- 
dence in Lynchburg, Mr. Charlton was attacked 
with hemorrhage of the lungs, and the delicate 
state of his health, at this time, was such as to 
awaken the warmest interest, not only of members 
of his Church, but of the affectionate little band of 
children, whom he taught every Saturday at the 
Methodist Church. He left Lynchburg, after a 
residence of two years, during which time he 
greatly contributed to the influence of the Church, 
many members being added to its communion 
during his ministry. A few years after this time, 
Mr. Charlton married a lady from the lower country. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 127 

and since that time he has resided almost constantly 
in Petersburg. 

On his last visit to Lynchburg,* he accompanied 
Miss Miller, a female Methodist preacher, who was, 
with her traveling companion, Miss Hilton, making 
a tour of the State. Notice having been given that a 
female would preach at the Methodist Church, that 
building was crowded to overflowing long before 
the hour fixed for the service. This remarkably 
interesting lady did not ascend the pulpit, but stood 
within the altar, taking for her text — " The Spirit 
and the bride say. Come ;" and so profound was the 
silence which reigned throughout the church, that 
not a word was lost of her beautiful and touching 
address ; and several of the sentences of that 
discourse, heard in childhood, are still remembered. 
At one time, her eloquent appeal being in these 
words : — " Oh, immortal spirits ! bound for the bar 
of God, what madness hath possessed you?" 

At that time, the Rev. William A. Smith was 
the stationed Methodist minister of Lynchburg. 
He was a very young man, but even then giving 
promise of what he has since become. The 
eloquence of his preaching, his zealous prayer- 
meetings, his pastoral visits, were all greatly 
blessed; so that, during the summer of 1828, a 

* In the spring of 1828. 



128 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

revival took place in his church, which, for perma- 
nency of effect, has never heen equalled. The 
gayest and most careless were led to inquire the 
way of salvation, many converts were made, and 
large numbers were added to the Methodist Church ; 
but a part of them connected themselves with the 
Episcopal Church, continuing to this day its de- 
voted members. In the fall of that year, Mr. 
Smith was united in marriage to Miss EUice M. 
Miller, the female preacher ; and since that period, 
his history and brilliant career have placed this 
distinguished man so before the public that farther 
comment is here unnecessary. 

Rev. William Martin resided a few miles above 
Lynchburg ; but, together with his excellent wife, 
he spent the greater portion of his time in the city. 
He was a very good, harmless, old man, of middle 
stature, and not possessing any great intellectual 
gifts. He used, however, to say, that from one 
certain text he could preach a sermon, in which he 
would acknowledge no superior. That favorite dis- 
course was from the text: — "Is there no balm in 
Gilead ? is there no physician there ?" He described 
himself as having been in his youth a remarkably 
hapdsome man ; and he had been heard to say, 
that, attending at that time a ball, dressed in shorts, 
knee-buckles, ruffled shirt, &c., he found himself in 
the dance vis a vis to General Washington ; and Mr. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 129 

Martin alleged that he considered himself a much 
handsomer and finer looking individual than the 
Father of his Country. All of uncle Martin's foibles 
were innocent, and there is no doubt that he was 
an humble, sincere Christian, and a man of most 
upright and exemplary character. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Martin,* wife of Rev. William 
Martin, was a lady of great mental attainments, 
joined to deep and fervid piety. She was very lovely 
in personal appearance, and exercised a great influ- 
ence in Lynchburg, where she was much beloved. 
The members of the Methodist Church, as well as 
others, considering it a privilege to have her as 
a guest — her example was an inestimable benefit, 
and her prayers a protection to a household. Sur- 
viving for some years her venerable partner, she, 
from that time, made the hospitable mansion of 
Mrs. Ann Irvine her principal residence. Mrs. 
Martin died early in the spring of 1831, and those 
who had the privilege of beholding this sainted 
woman during the last few weeks of her life, will 
ever regard that time, when looking back, as a 
Boca in their earthly pilgrimage. During the 
whole of her last illness, she sat erect in her arm 
chair, habited with her customary neatness, and, 



* This lady was a niece of Edmund Pendleton. 



130 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

whilst in that position, her gentle spirit took its 
flight to a heavenly home. Her chamber was at 
the time filled with a concourse of sorrowing 
friends, many of whom sent messages to their re- 
latives in Heaven. Some comments were, at the 
time made on this ; but it seems a holy, beautiful 
thought, mingled with poetical feelings, all of which 
we find so sweetly embodied in Mrs. Hemans' 
" Message to the Dead." The funeral of Mrs. Mar- 
tin was preached at the old Methodist Church, and 
none can forget, who heard that eloquent discourse, 
or listened to the sublime words of " The Dying 
Christian," sung by the choir of the Church, which, 
at that time, numbered the finest singers in 
Lynchburg. 

About the year 1825, Father Hersey, "the 
walking circuit-rider," made his appearance in 
Lynchburg. He was an eccentric, but really ex- 
cellent man, of striking appearance, and with a 
manner of speaking at once most fervid and 
eloquent. He had unfortunately become involved 
in debt, and in order to extricate himself, he wore 
clothes of the plainest kind, made of coarse fabrics, 
and he walked to all of the difi"erent churches within 
his circuit, appropriating the money thus saved to 
the liquidation of his debts. By this course of 
frugality and self-denial, he insured the respect of 
the community, who were always ready to listen to 



0^ LYNCllBURG. 131 

him attentively, even though he told them the truth 
with severity. This venerable man survives, and 
is, we understand, still a member of the Baltimore 
Conference. 

It is proper to mention in this place, the name of 
Mr. Thurmon, who was a devout member of the 
church, aiding in its extension by his blameless life 
and example. When very young, he had held, 
during the Revolutionary war, an employment in 
the army, and to him were accorded the honor and 
privilege of residing for a length of time with 
Washington and La Fayette, in that small stone 
building in the city of Richmond, now so rever- 
enced on account of its distinguished inmates at 
that time. When General La Fayette visited Rich- 
mond in 1825, Uncle Thurmon* made him a visit 
at that place, habited in the same clothes which he 
had worn whilst living in the stone-house with him- 
self and General Washington. The interview was 
extremely interesting and affecting. La Fayette 
receiving him with open arms, whilst down the 
manly cheeks of the brave, gallant Frenchman 
flowed tears of emotion. Uncle Thurmon possessed 
nearly, or quite as much influence in his church as a 



* This venerable man was always spoken of in Lynchburg as 
Uncle Thurmon. 



132 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 

minister of the gospel. He, with the other elders 
of the Methodist Church, sat inside the altar, with 
their faces turned towards the preacher, and when- 
ever a part of the discourse touched them particu- 
larly, they expressed audibly their approbation, 
in such words as " Amen, even so, Lord;" " God 
grant it." These expressions, uttered fervently, 
so stimulated and animated their preachers, that 
truly they might have been styled " Boanerges" — 
for it was then that those burning words were utter- 
ed, which pierced the consciences and entered the 
hearts of the hearers, so that multitudes would throng 
the altar, inquiring, with tearful, agonized accents, 
"What must I do to be saved?" Mr. Thurmon 
lived to a great age, passing away calmly from 
earth, and leaving to his numerous descendants, 
the rich inheritance of his blameless, well-spent 
life. 

John Thurmon was a worthy son of this most 
excellent man. He was by trade a saddler, carry- 
ing his piety into the workshop as well as the 
church. He was a man of most kind, benignant 
feelings, remarkably gentle and aifectionate in his 
disposition, and at all times showing that love to 
his neighbor, so enjoined in the Word of God. In 
no act of his life has more good resulted than 
in the establishment of the first Sunday school 
in the State of Virginia. In the year 1817, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 133 

he was the principal agent in the formation of this 
Sabbath school, which was held in the old Metho- 
dist Church, and from which have emanated all the 
other Sunday schools in the State, and the immense 
benefits resulting from the first one will be felt 
through time and eternity. Several members of 
Congress owed their first education to the Sabbath 
school, established first in Lynchburg. 

John Thurmon married a daughter of the late 
Mrs. Essex, and for many years they resided in a 
neat white house, not far from the Reservoir. He 
died in the year 1855, leaving a numerous family, 
nearly all of whom are inhabitants of Lynchburg. 
Many female members of this Church possessed great 
influence, being gifted with eloquence in prayer 
and exhortation, so that they greatly strengthened 
their minister's hands ; but, out of a large number, 
only two of this class will now be mentioned, both of 
them eminent for all of the social virtues, as well 
as for usefulness in the Church. 

Mrs. Essex* was, for many years, a resident of 
Lynchburg. She was married, when very young, 
to Mr. Simpson ; and she was the mother of Mr. 
James Simpson, and of Miss Jane Simpson, well- 
known in this community. After the death of Mr. 



* We think she is a native of Fredericksburg. 

12 



134 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Simpson, her first husband, Mrs. Simpson married 
the Rev. Mr. Essex, at that time a minister of the 
Methodist church. Her only daughter, Miss Eliza 
Essex, became the wife of Mr. M. Lyman, now a 
resident of Lewisburg. Mrs. Essex was a lady of 
a very strong mind and excellent heart, and was 
moreover gifted with a remarkable command of 
language, and a facility of expressing herself both 
gracefully and eloquently, particularly on religious 
subjects. She joined to those gifts a knowledge of 
medicine, which greatly extended her influence 
throughout Lynchburg and the adjoining country ; 
and so skillful and well-informed was she in her 
profession, that she might aptly have been styled 
" The Baudelocque" of upper Virginia. This ex- 
cellent lady died many years since in Lynchburg, 
leaving a void in the Church to which she belonged, 
not easily supplied. 

Mrs. Mary Brown was a native of Bedford 
county. ILer maiden-name was Mary Hancock, 
and she was a sister of Ammon Hancock, a well 
known merchant of Lynchburg. Her memory will 
tenderly be cherished by a large circle of friends 
in the city ; nor can she ever be forgotten by those 
who have shared her kindness and hospitality. 
Though passing often through the deep waters and 
fiery furnace of affliction, she was ever the patient 
and submissive Christian. Twice was her domestic 



OF LYNCHBURa. 135 

hearth invaded by death in violent forms — one of 
her sons being instantly killed, by a loaded wagon 
passing over him ; and a few years subsequent to 
this heart-rending event, a younger son came to 
his end in consequence of the accidental discharge 
of a gun in the hands of a school-companion. 
Yet, after the first burst of sorrow, she was enabled 
to see the hand of God even in these mournful 
casualties. In perfect harmony with her holy, 
exemplary life, was the triumphant scene in her 
chamber of death ; and, standing on the confines 
of eternity, she discerned so clearly, through faith, 
the promised land, that her last words were, " Joy, 
joy ! I am almost home !" 

Can we wonder at the growth and prosperity of 
a Church, which numbered amongst its worshipers 
such women as Mrs. Mary Brown ? Would that 
her example might stimulate all who remember her,, 
to press onwards to the high mark of their calling 
in Christ Jesus ; so that, at the solemn hour of 
dissolution, they may, like her, feel, that 

« 

" Jesus can make a dying bed, 

Feel soft as downy pillows are, 
Whilst on His breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there." 



136 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE EXPERIENCE OF MRS. ELIZABETH MARTIN. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Martin* was born September, 
1750, in the county of King & Queen, Virginia. 
She is the daughter of Mr. John Pendleton, who 
was a man of respectability and a member of the 
Church of England. Her mother died when she 
was young, and her father intermarried a second 
time; but she still continued with him till she was 
seventeen years of age, when she was married to 
William P. Martin, her present husb^ind. She tells 
her religious experience nearly in the following 
words : 

'^From my youth I had a propensity for different 
diversions, particularly for dancing. My fondness for 
this last was such, that when at a ball I scarcely could 
even think of taking ordinary sustenance. I was so 
fascinated with music, company and mirth, that I was 
entirely led off from thinking of a future state, or 
making preparation for death and judgment. At six- 
teen years of age, I enjoyed a remarkable share of 

* The above article is taken from "The Evangelical Maga- 
zine," a religious paper, published in Lynchburg as early as 
1810. It was sent in by James Brown, Esq., of that place, 
after the work was in press; and, to the numbers in upper 
Virginia, who loved and reverenced this remarkable woman, 
a perusal of her experience will doubtless be interesting. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 137 

health, and was blest with a good constitutien, both 
of which I sadly impaired by overheating myself at a 
dance, and then going out into the night air. By 
^ne particular instance of this kind of imprudence, I 
laid a foundation for a long and dangerous spell of sick- 
ness, from which I never entirely recovered. My case 
was thought desperate by the physicians : still, I was not 
afraid to die, and only regretted the thought of leaving 
my friends and relations in this world. But I was 
destitute of religion, and had never once heard that 
our nature must be changed — that we must be born 
of the Spirit, before we can have a right to the Kingdom 
of Heaven. It was a time of great darkness, and I 
had no one to take me by the hand and lead me 
into the paths of peace and happiness. I had not, 
however, the least opposition to religion, or the pro- 
fessors of it — except only, that once I was offended 
with a preacher whom I thought carried matters too far. 

" For several years after my marriage, I still indulged 
myself in the gaieties and follies of the world. We 
lived in a neighborhood of dancers, with whom I freely 
joined, still entertaining the fashionable opinion that 
it was not wrong. In this opinion I was joined and 
strengthened by my companion, who also was fond of 
merriment himself, and played on the violin. Thus 
we spent our precious time together, in partaking of 
the frothy and trifling things of this world, unthoughtful 
of the hand which supported us, and wholly taken up 
with the ^ things that perish in the using.' 

<^ I was awakened to a sense of my lost estate, by 
nature, by a woman who, from religious motives, had 



138 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

quitted the practice of dancing. I thouglit she was 
wrong, and took uncommon pains to convince her. But 
she turned the scales upon me, and, by a few words, 
convinced me not only that I was wrong, but, moreover, 
that I was a vile, ungrateful sinner. She quoted this 
important truth from Scripture, 'That we must be 
converted' — a phrase that I had never heard, or, at 
least, had never considered before. This had the 
desired effect. It brought about an immediate self- 
examination, which was attended with Divine light, 
and I soon plainly discovered that I was far gone from 
original righteousness — that I was a most ungrateful be- 
ing, and, although I could not charge myself with any 
scandalous sins, so called by the world, I found myself 
destitute of everything truly and religiously good, my 
life having been devoted to the pleasures and maxims 
of this poor and wicked world. Immediately, I felt 
determined, by the grace of Grod, to seek for true re- 
ligion, let the consequence be what it might, and 
engaged in reading, prayer and meditation. The Word 
of God was my delight : things began to appear in a 
different light, and I was condemned by the Word of God 
and by my own conscience. I had violent opposition 
from various quarters, particularly from my husband, 
who peremptorily forbid my going to meeting, and often 
declared that, unless I would quit this new course of 
mine, he would live with me no longer. Once, because 
I attended a meeting in his absence, he was so much 
irritated that he whipped the boy that waited on me to 
the meeting, and went off for a short season. This was, 
indeed, a trying time — how to act so as to please God 



OF LYNCHBURG. 139 

and be obedient to my husband. I expostulated, and 
told him I had a soul to save, and must do it — that 
I was willing to comply with all his reasonable com- 
mands, and would do everything I could with a clear 
conscience to please him, but could go no farther. I 
felt more and more the necessity of heart-felt religion, 
and was much in earnest to obtain it. I had parted 
with all my actual sins (as I verily believe), except 
one, for which I had a great propensity : it was jesting. 
I had great delight to please the company I then kept, 
and was of a very volatile disposition. In the meantime 
I heard of a people called * The Methodists,' and was 
very desirous to hear them preach, but was debarred 
from it for two or three years. I took some pains to 
make myself acquainted with the diflferent tenets of 
the various sects, that I might judge for myself; and, 
from what I could learn, the Methodists held opinions 
which accorded with mine. 

" We were then living in King William county, 
in the midst of a people much opposed to vital religion 
and utterly ignorant of spiritual things ; and I pray 
God for them, that they may not still continue in the 
same darkness. About the beginning of the Revolu- 
tionary war, however, we removed up the country, 
and settled in Halifax county, Virginia, where I had 
the great gratification to hear a Methodist preacher. 
His name was John Dickins. It was a comfortable 
season. His doctrines were edifying, and well coincided 
with the creed which I had formed for myself. He 
preached from Second Corinthians, chapter v. verse 
17th — < Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a 



140 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

new creature' — and liis words came with power. Even 
my companion, wbo heard in much prejudice, acknowl- 
edged he never had heard a man who knew how to 
preach extempore, till then ; and, I believe, through 
the instrumentality of this man, my companion was 
awakened to seek the salvation of his soul. After 
reading the Kules of the Methodist Society, he proposed 
joining members to form a class. I was so captivated 
with his preaching, doctrine and Rules, that I would 
gladly have joined him immediately, and partaken of 
the reproaches of Christ which had fallen upon this little 
body of people. But my companion did not consent. 
I was determined, however, to keep the Rules, although 
my name could not be enrolled on their class paper. 
After this, I was freed from restraint about hearing them 
preach; and, in a few weeks, I went to hear a youth 
of eighteen — Ishum Tatum. Although a mere beardless 
boy, he spake by the energy of the Spirit ; and, whilst 
he pronounced the words of truth, I was blessed with 
the spirit of adoption. My load of sin fell off — peace 
and joy sprung up in my soul — love to God and man 
flowed into my heart — and I knew that, ^For me, the 
Saviour died !' My witness was so clear and manifest, 
that not a doubt of its reality has ever arisen in my 
mind. I was so overpowered, by divine grace, that, 
for some time, I forgot my home; and, with truth, I 
could say, ^ Old things are passed away ! Behold all 
things are become new !* 

^'That day, four weeks, the young preacher came 
again ; and, after his sermon was ended, again proposed 
to admit members into his Society : and, to the surprise 



OP LYNCHBURG. 141 

of every one present, my companion went forward and 
desired to have his name enrolled as a member. This 
was highly pleasing to me ; and I, also, went forward 
and joined at the same time. This took place about 
thirty-three years ago. Thus happily placed among the 
people whom I loved as my soul, I felt inexpressible joy, 
whilst we sweetly took counsel together. The preaching 
place was near our house, so that I could conveniently 
attend the preaching and class-meetings; and we had 
comfort in helping each other on, in our way towards 
the peaceful shores of bliss. 

^' After having been some time in this state of peace 
with Grod, through our Lord Jesus Christ, I began to 
discover there were greater attainments in religion than 
those I had as yet experienced. Although I felt no 
condemnation for actual transgression, yet I found my 
heart was not wholly given to God : I did not love the 
Lord with all my soul, might, mind and strength. I found 
remains of the carnal mind, and that the body of sin 
was not destroyed. Again I began to double my dili- 
gence in calling upon Grod, reading his precious Word, 
and in hearing discourses on the doctrine of sanctifica- 
tion. It was not long till I was nearly convinced it was 
my privilege to enjoy this unspeakable blessing. I was 
then frequently determined, by the grace of Grod, to seek 
after it, and not rest till I had found the blessed treasure; 
and I as often saw with clearness, that, without holiness 
of heart and life, no one shall see the Lord. Sometimes 
I had no doubt but that the Lord would bestow it upon 
me, sooner or later, and began to cry to God to sanctify 



142 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

me throughout soul, body and spirit — to give me that 
perfect love which caste th out fear ! 

' Oh make me all in Thee complete ! 
Oh make me all for glory mete !' 

But I was several times discouraged by conversing with 
some professors of religion in the neighborhood, who 
declared against the possibility of the attainment, and 
appealed to their own experience for their own confirma- 
tion. At length, however, my conviction of the reality 
of this grace was still more deepened, and I was brought 
to cry, mightily too, in earnest expectation of the bless- 
ing. And the Lord was good and gracious unto me. 
He heard and answered my petition. I was enabled, by 
faith, to trust His great and precious promises ; and I 
knew, by joyful experience, that ^ God was faithful and 
just, not only to forgive us our sins, but also to cleanse 
us from all unrighteousness.' 

" This great and happy additional change took place 
something more than two years after I had experienced 
the forgiveness of my sins. From that time, even until 
now, I feel myself a poor, needy and unprofitable crea- 
ture — the least of all Grod's people ; but let His name 
be praised for the revelation of this grace. I do know I 
love Him with my whole heart. I love His law — I love 
His people ; and I had rather be a door-keeper in His 
house, than dwell in the palaces of kings. I daily feel 
that love which passeth all understanding, and is full 
of glory ! ' I reckon myself dead unto sin,' ' and to this 
world.' I feel universal love and good will to men ; and 



OF LYNCHBURG. 143 

my daily and heart-felt prayer to Grod is, ' Thy will be 
done on Earth as it is in Heaven !' I have no confidence 
in the flesh — and I can say with truth, ^ The life I now 
live, is by faith in Christ Jesus/ 

* There is my home and portion fair, 
My treasure and my heart are there, 

And my abiding home. 
For me, my elder Brethren stay, 
And angels beckon me away, 
And Jesus bids me come !' 

" It may be useful to others for me to state, that I 
have been much afflicted with sickness, and, for more 
than twenty years, have hardly experienced one well day. 
In the year 1780, I went to the Warm Springs, but ex- 
perienced very little benefit. Several years afterwards, I 
visited the Sweet Springs, and found some relief; and 
the last few years of my life have been the most healthy 
I have experienced for the space of forty years. But, 
blessed be the name of the Lord, I am bound to say that, 
under all my pain and sufferings, I never had a mur- 
muring thought. With the Psalmist, I felt 'It was 
good for me to be afflicted' — and was constanily sup- 
ported by the words of the great Apostle to the Hebrews : 
' Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.' 

" I have now been endeavoring to walk in the way of 
obedience thirty-six years ; and it has been something 
more than thirty-three years, since I was brought to the 
knowledge of God in the pardon of my sins. And in all 
this course I have found, that it is by faith alone that I 
have attained to anything pertaining to true godliness. 
When I obtained mercy at the first, I was enabled to 



144 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 

believe that Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, had 
died for all, and especially for me. I loved the Lord, 
for He had first loved me. I ventured my soul upon 
Him, and felt joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. When 
I was burdened with a conscious sense of inbred corrup- 
tion, I ventured again to cast myself upon his mercy and 
his power, believing Him ' able and willing to save to the 
uttermost, them that believe.' My prayer, then, was, 
^ Give me a clean heart, oh God ! and renew a right 
spirit within me.' 

^' From the day that my faith in God became stead- 
fast, even until now, I enjoy a continual peace — a peace 
which flows like a river. I am still a monument of the 
Divine mercy ; and I feel, as much as ever, disposed to 
spend my few remaining days to the honor and glory of 
the Redeemer's grace. The hope of an immortal crown 
now raises my heart above the trifling toys of this vain 
world. I am not, however, without my comforts here — 
for I take the greatest delight in the worship of God, 
and in the fellowship of the saints. I have joy in seeing 
the prosperity of Zion. When I first became a member 
of the Methodist Society, there were not more than three 
or four thousand on this whole continent, including all 
the riding preachers, twenty in number. From this 
little cloud, I have seen the work spread, until I have 
now lived to hear there are not less than sixteen thousand 
members, five hundred riding and two thousand local 
preachers. May God continue to bless his vineyard. 
Great Father of Light, let Thy kingdom come, Thy will 
be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. 

E. Martin." 



OF LYNCHBURG. 145 



THE OWENS FAMILY. 

'* Ah me ! full sorely is my heart forlorn, 

To think how modest worth neglected lies. 
While partial Fame doth with her blasts adorn, 
Such deeds alone, as pride and pomp disguise, 
Deeds of ill sort, and mischievous emprise. 
Lend me thy clarion, goddess ! let me try 
To sound the praise of merit, ere it dies. 

*' In elbow chairs, (like those of Scottish stem, 
By the sharp tooth of cankering old defaced, 

In which, when he receives his diadem. 

Our sovereign prince and liefest liege is placed,) 
The matron sat ; and some with rank she graced, 
The source of children's and of courtier's pride,) 

Redressed affronts — for vile affronts there passed — 
And warned them not the fretful to deride. 
But love each other dear, whatever them betide." 

Extracts from Shenstone's School-Mistress. 

Owen Owens and Mrs. Jane Owens were na- 
tives of Augusta county, but soon after the settle- 
ment of Lynchburg they removed thither, where 
they soon became the most prominent of its inhab- 
itants, giving to the newly formed town influences 
13 



146 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

which have greatly tended to advance its prosperity 
and refinement. 

Mr. and Mrs. Owens were well educated and in- 
telligent, possessing, in a high degree, the purest 
and most refined species of mental culture — for they 
both had the most enthusiastic love for the beauti- 
ful, as seen in creation, particularly in shrubs, 
plants and flowers, which they cultivated in great 
perfection, thus investing life with all the poetry of 
which it is capable, and diffusing through Lynch- 
burg a taste for Botany and Floriculture. 

They established in this town a school, which was 
first kept at the house on the corner opposite to the 
old Masons' Hall, but removing to the present resi- 
dence of Dr. William Owens, the school was for 
many years kept in the basement of that house : 
and from that room have been carried impressions 
whose influence will be felt through time and 
eternity. 

The heart expands at the mention of the name 
of Owens, and there are doubtless many now in 
Lynchburg, besides numbers scattered throughout 
the Union, who will sympathize in these emotions. 
Mrs. Owens was the beloved instructress of nearly 
every child in Lynchburg, and grateful indeed 
should the present inhabitants feel, could they com- 
mand the services of such a teacher. Incredible 
was the rapidity with which her pupils were brought 
forward. In those good old days, learning was 



OF LYNCHBURG. 147 

taken in the natural way ; and there were no pleas- 
ing series with pictures to allure on the child, but 
only Webster's* Spelling-Book, in an unmitigated 
form, with the Bible and Testament as sole reading 
books for beginners ; yet her pupils made more 
rapid progress than those of the present day, with 
all of their alleviations, correct spelling and beau- 
tiful penmanship being the peculiar forte of our 
beloved instructress. Having an enthusiastic love 
for flowers, these simple, beautiful tokens were 
given out by her on Friday evening as rewards. 
She had a knowledge of drawing and painting, and 
gave lessons in these accomplishments. Plain and 
ornamental needle-work were important branches 
in her school, and many of her patterns and designs 
would put to shame those in Godey's Lady's Book. 
Judicious and impartial, she reigned supreme in the 
hearts of the loving band of young children who en- 
circled her, and no clouds overshadowed this happy 
abode, till the death of Mr. Owen Owens ; but 
after this period, Mrs. Owens resumed her labors, 
continuing them for many years, and relinquishing 
them most unwillingly on the advance of age and 
infirmity. She survived her husband many years, 



* Mrs. Owens was among the first in Virginia who adopted 
this spelling-book, and at a time when his pronunciation and 
his manner of dividing words was ridiculed by most persons. 



148 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

living to an advanced age,* and when full of years 
and honors, she calmly breathed her last at the re- 
sidence of her daughter, in the town of Lynchburg. 
The taste for flowers, drawing and painting was 
not all for which Lynchburg was indebted to the 
Owens family. Many years since they established 
a circulating library, with a number of choice 
volumes by the best authors. The works of Madame 
de Stael, Madame de Sevigne, Madame de Genlis, 
the works of Lady Morgan, Miss Burney, Monk 
Lewis, the works of Miss Edgeworth, as many as 
were then written — all these adorned their book- 
shelves, in addition to a large quantity of useful 
and valuable reading, which fostered in Lynchburg 
a taste for the best writings ; and Owens' Circulating 
Library has been the means of bringing many ac- 
quainted with the standard British authors, and 
stimulating them to pursue still farther their read- 
ing, when perhaps their taste for literature might 
have remained dormant, but for the facilities afibrded 
by this library. 

Of this family alone survive Mrs. Henry La- 
tham and Dr. William Owens, both well known 
and beloved in our community. Dr. Owens is much 



* Should not her numerous pupils over the United States 
unite to place a monument over her remains ? 



OP LYNCHBURG. 149 

esteemed for his excellence, and valued for his skill 
in medicine ; but both of these qualifications are only 
secondary in comparison with his many virtues as a 
son and brother ; his dutiful and affectionate con- 
duct to his parents in his early youth, his respectful, 
devoted attachment to them when they were aged 
and infirm, his tender care of sisters and brothers, 
to whom he acted the part of a parent — all these 
it is, which make us admire and respect this good 
man, and ardently desire that he may experience 
fully the truth of the only commandment with pro- 
mise. Dr. William Owens married, when a young 
man, Jane Latham, of Culpeper. She was a lady 
of great worth and intelligence, and her death 
many years since, was a sad loss to her husband 
and young family. 

There were two younger brothers of Dr. William 
Owens — Benjamin Franklin and Septimus D. 
Owens. They were young men of fine intellectual 
gifts, and of great promise, but both of them died 
young. These brothers were remarkably hand- 
some, and their portraits, beautifully taken in oil, 
still remain in the family, serving to recall the past 
in a manner both pleasant and mournful. 

After the decease of Mr. Owen Owens, the 
family continued unbroken till the death of Mrs. 
Hughes,* the oldest daughter. Sarah Owens pos- 

* In 1820 or '21, according to the memory of the writer. 



150 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

sessed the loveliest traits of character, and was 
greatly beloved in Lynchburg, where she resided. 
She had been married for some years to Mr. 
Hughes, and they lived about a square from the 
residence of Mrs. Owens. Occasionally we would 
see her with her sister and mother, and before we 
could define why it was, we felt better and happier 
after we had been with them. On a Friday morn- 
ing in the summer of 1820, we hastened as usual to 
school, ever anxious, as we were, to meet our beloved 
teacher, but missing her from her accustomed place, 
we were told by a domestic that her mistress had 
been sent for in the night to see Mrs. Hughes, who 
was dangerously ill. 

The heart-rending notes of distress from her 
young sister up stairs, told us in thrilling accents, 
that Mrs. Hughes was in the last extremity. Pre- 
vious to this time, an unexpected holiday had 
always been a delight, for then we would go ofif in 
small bands to roam the adjacent hills for plants 
and flowers, often stimulated in the pursuit by the 
anticipated pleasure of presenting some of these 
simple offerings to our beloved instructress. But 
on this day no joy could such pursuits afford ; we 
dispersed, it is true, to the hills, but ere attaining 
the summit of the highest and most beautiful, the 
mournful notes of the bell announced to us that 
Mrs. Hughes had breathed her last, and the 
solemn knell was echoed through glen and valley. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 151 

till the number of years of the deceased had been 
tolled. 

The following Monday we returned to school, and 
our teacher, as usual, sat by her little table, the 
moisture in her eye and slight tremor of her hand 
alone evincing outwardly the sorrow within ; and 
we knew not, till in after years, what efforts it cost 
that bereaved mother, so soon to again enter upon 
the active duties of life. Two lovely little girls, 
the daughters of Mrs. Hughes, we found domes- 
ticated with their grandmother, and, with tender- 
ness and childish sorrow, we gazed on these young 
children, so early deprived of their mother ; and 
feeling that though we could not recall the dead, 
w^e could at least bring more peace to our own 
hearts, by cherishing the living ; and from that hour 
we all felt bound to those little beings by the 
strongest cords of love and sympathy ! 



152 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



SCHOOLS ON CHURCH STREET. 

** While some on earnest business bent, 

Their murmuring labors ply, 
'Gainst graver hours that bring content, 

To sweeten liberty, 
Some bold adventurers disdain 
The limits of their little reign, 

And unknown regions dare descry ; 
Still as they run they look behind, 
They hear a voice in every wind, 

And snatch a fearful joy." 

Gray's lines on a distant view of Eaton College. 

The schools on this street were so numerous 
that it might very properly have heen called 
" School Street." One of these institutions was 
kept by John Reid, Esq., in the house now occu- 
pied by Mr. John Cary. Mr. Reid was a younger 
brother of the Rev. W. S. Reid, and he was re- 
markable for steady discipline, governing his pupils 
with all the vigor and energy of " Canny York- 
shire." In the next house above was a school kept 
by Mrs. Loyd ; and the house at the corner, just 
below the present residence of Dr. William Owens, 



OP LYNCHBURG. 153 

was occupied by Mr. Rawson, a native of New 
England, who kept there, for boys, an excellent 
classical school. The excellent institution of Mrs. 
Owens has already been mentioned in the preceding 
chapter ; and the house, at the corner above, just 
across the street from the old Masonic Hall, was 
the residence of Mrs. Victor, a venerable, excellent 
lady, from Fredericksburg. Her daughter, Mrs. 
Lucy Johnson, then resided with her mother, and 
long will the former lady be affectionately remem- 
bered in Lynchburg, for her kindness to the sick 
and afflicted. Possessing a very retentive memory, 
and a fund of anecdote, her society was peculiarly 
acceptable to the invalid ; and so great were her 
conversational powers, that she would attract the 
young to her for hours, causing them to forget 
engagements made to join a gay circle. Her 
sister. Miss Maria Victor, kept, for many years, 
an excellent school in the basement of that house, 
and, being a worthy communicant of the Presby- 
terian Church, her scholars were principally the 
children of members who worshiped with that 
denomination. Miss Maria Victor was the first 
teacher who introduced medals in Lynchburg, the 
system having been by her fairly tested, and the 
results being such as to show that their use tended 
to stimulate pupils, and to induce amongst them a 
spirit of emulation. She was an advocate for 
colonization, liberating some valuable slaves be- 



154 SKETCHES AND HECOLLECTIONS 

longing to her, amongst them Tom Dyson, well 
known in Lynchburg as an accomplished servant 
and excellent carriage-driver. 

Musical instruments, at this time, were very rare 
in Lynchburg, and an old spinet stood in this 
school-room, bereft of all its strings, save one, and 
looking quite as pensive and mournful as Tara's 
harp. Yet this ancient piano was looked upon 
with great awe and respect, by the urchins from 
the different schools in that vicinity. 

A school was always kept in the old Masonic 
Hall of Lynchburg. In the year 1822, one was 
established there by the Kev. F. G. Smith ; and 
in a few years, he was succeeded by John Gary, 
Esq., who then as now exercised a powerful in- 
fluence in this town. It has been said that one 
reason that there are not more good male teachers 
is, that the employment is generally regarded as 
only a stepping-stone to some of the learned 
professions, and the time occupied in imparting 
instructions, is too often regarded as a time of 
probation, till circumstances permit the teacher to 
emerge as a barrister or a physician. May not the 
great success which has attended Mr. Gary in this 
department, be owing somewhat to his having made 
teaching his permanent profession ? It is highly 
desirable that there should be more who choose for 
their avocation that of teaching, and diligently 



OF LYNCHBURG. 155 

pursue it for a term of years, after the example 
of Mr. Carj. 

There was great rivalry between the pupils of 
these numerous institutions, none of them being 
willing to acknowledge a less number of pupils 
than assembled in the school-rooms attended by 
their companions. Frequent practical jokes were 
played, off, by way of retort, on those who made 
insinuations against teachers, pupils and school- 
rooms ; and every opportunity of this sort was 
greatly prized by all of the scholars on that street, 
particularly by those attending the boys' school, 
held in the Masonic Hall. 

In the year 1828, a man by the name of 
Watson appeared in Lynchburg, with hand-bills and 
advertisements, affirming that, in sixteen lessons 
he would give a thorough knowledge of the Eng- 
lish Grammar — stating, also, that the years usually 
spent in studying the structure of the English 
language was nothing but a wanton and sinful 
waste of our precious time. The tendency of 
human nature, in general, has been to find a royal 
road to geometry, and this disposition was now, 
with respect to grammar, manifested in the good 
town of Lynchburg. Accordingly, crowds of 
urchins, who had never before dreamed of any 
kinder intention than that of murdering the King's 
English, were now entered as pupils to Mr. Watson. 



156 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

This personage was a spare, sedate looking man, 
his hair ornamented with a queue, and his dress 
composed entirely of light pea-green cloth. He 
was the beau-ideal of one of the greatest humbugs 
that ever gladdened Lynchburg. His school was 
in the basement of a house owned and occupied by 
Mr. Schoolfield, situated at the corner of the street 
leading down to the old post-office. This gram- 
marian kept closed doors, and was particularly 
annoyed at any kind of interruption, save that 
of some deluded person coming to enter fresh 
candidates for this high-pressure grammar system. 

Silas Yawter* was at that time a pupil at 
the Masonic Hall, where the system of fagging 
was, to a degree, kept up, as at Westminster School 
and Eaton College. A very small boy, named 
Callaway, generally acted as fag to Mr. Vawter, 
performing sundry little jobs, by way of saving the 
aforesaid young gentleman trouble ; but, on one 
occasion, Callaway testifying great unwillingness 
to bring fresh water, Silas, like a wise statesman, 
concluded that it was better to promise a reward 
for the performance, than punish for the refusal. 
So, in an unwary moment, he agreed to give this 
small boy the sum of twelve and a half cents. As 
the promise remained unfulfilled, Silas was soon 
politely reminded of it by his young creditor ; and 

* The elder brother of Bransford Vawter. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 157 

owing, likewise, a small grudge to "Watson and 
some of his scholars, Vawter, with ready humor, 
gave Callaway an order on the former for the 
amount, telling him to enter the school-room boldly, 
and, before showing the written order to Watson, 
to state to him the business which had brought him 
there. Accordingly, he stalked up to the Grammar 
School, knocking loudly at the door, which was 
opened by Watson himself, who inquired of the 
boy his errand. Callaway was in the habit of 
stammering very much, and, being now somewhat 
embarrassed and intimidated by the august presence 
of Watson and the grammar-class, he stammered 
out, " Si-si-si, Vaw-Vaw-Vaw-ter-ter sa-sa-says, 
that you are in-de-de-debt-ed to him ni-ni-nine- 
pence ! " " What is that you say, you little 
scoundrel ?" Whereupon, the chap again com- 
menced with " Si-si, Vaw-Yaw-ter-ter" — but long 
before he had half gotten through his tedious 
narration, up went Watson's cane, and speedily 
from the grammar-hall disappeared this youthful 
dun, never daring again to enter this classic 
abode. 

In this neighborhood lived those excellent people 
and good citizens, the Sumpters, Schoolfields, and 
many members of the Thurmon family. Mr. Jehu 
Williams resides a little above. His first wife 
was a lady of great worth, and she was the mother 
of many fine women, some of whom reside in this 
14 



158 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

State ; and Mrs. W. P. Bryant, one of them, being 
an inhabitant of Baltimore. His second wife, was 
Miss Susan Tompkins, a lady of a most amiable 
disposition, and a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Tomp- 
kins, of the Presbyterian Church. The venerable 
mother of Mrs. Susan Williams was well known 
and esteemed in Lynchburg, of which place she 
was really the oldest inhabitant. 

The Wallace* family lived a few doors above ; 
and nearly opposite was the modest dwelling of the 
good Mr. Thurmon, the patriarch of the town. 
Close by the latter dwelling, was the humble abode 
of Milly Cooper, a free woman of color, who there 
lived with the unfortunate maniac, her son, Archie 
Cooper; and just above, was the residence of the 
excellent Mrs. Polly Brown, which is now occupied 
by her son, Henry Brown, Esq. 

The house at present owned and occupied by 
Dr. Gilmer, was, in 1818, inhabited by George 
Tucker, Esq. ; and the one opposite, was the re- 
sidence of the family of Duffel, excellent citizens, 
of Scottish descent ; and the residence of Mr. 
Richard Tyree stands below this house. He was 
an honest, good citizen, and the husband of Mrs. 
Mildred Tyree, a very lovely woman and a 



* Mrs. Wallace afterwards married the Rev. Mr. Cole, of the 
Methodist Church, a gentleman of great worth and piety. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 159 

member of the Quaker denomination. Just oppo- 
site "was the dwelling of Captain Peter Dudley, 
an excellent man and good citizen. He married 
Miss Davis, the daughter of William Davis, Sr., 
one of the oldest and most influential of the citi- 
zens of Lynchburg. Just above the residence of 
Dr. Gilmer, lived Mr. James Gilliam, a worthy 
man ; and the next house above, was the residence 
of Mrs. Eliza Echols, the widow of Joseph 
Echols, Esq., a well-known citizen of Lynchburg, 
who died more than thirty-three years since. His 
excellent wife had then a double duty to perform, 
in rearing and educating her young family, which 
consisted of one daughter and three sons ; and about 
the year 1829, she broke up housekeeping in 
Lynchburg, removing from that place to New 
Haven, Connecticut, whither she carried her chil- 
dren for the advantage of attending the Seminary 
of Dr. Dwight. As soon as her daughter had 
finished her education, Mrs. Echols, returning to 
her native State, chose, as a place of residence, 
Lexington, in order that her sons might finish their 
education at Washington College. This excellent 
lady survives, and is now a resident of Union, 
Monroe county, at which place resides her daughter, 
Mrs. Allen T. Caperton. Her sons are well 
known and esteemed in Virginia: — Mr. Edward 
Echols, of Rockbridge; John Echols, Esq., of 



160 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Monroe ; and Mr. Robert J. Echols, of Rich- 
mond. 

The house now occupied by Dr. John Patterson, 
was, in 1819, the residence of Mr. James Stuart, 
■who married a daughter of Major William Warwick, 
and the house nearly adjoining the Methodist 
Church, was, for many years, the residence of Mrs. 
Nancy Tait, a sister of the late George White- 
locke, of Petersburg ; and the house just above the 
Methodist Church, and at the foot of the hill, was 
inhabited by Mr. Cullensworth and his sister, 
Mrs. Martin, who resided there many years with 
her sons and daughter. These good people were 
members of the Methodist Church, and their abode 
was ever open to young visitors from the schools 
on that street, who would resort thither to amuse 
themselves with Mrs. Martin's fine swing, or to 
gaze with wonder and admiration at the wax figures 
of the *' Babes in the Wood," sleeping peacefully 
in death ! 

" No burial or covering 
Were given to the pair ; 
But little Robin Redbreast 
Did cover them with care." 

All of which affecting particulars were read in 
those days from a large edition, and were religiously 
believed. 

The white house on the cross street, from Dr. 
Gilmer's to Main street, was (if memory does not 



OF LYNCHBURG. 161 

deceive), for a brief period, the residence of Wil- 
liam and Jane Lynch. It was afterwards the 
residence of a Mr. Duffy — and it was here that 
" Duffy's Brewery " was kept. It was afterwards 
the abode of Green B. Lewellen ; and then a man, 
by the name of Wilson, kept there an '^ entertain- 
ment" for gentlemen, wagoners and hog-drovers. 
The house occupied by Dr. Gilmer was also, at 
one time, the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Camm, 
of Amherst county. This lady was the wife of Mr. 
Camm, well-known and esteemed for bril- 
liant talents. She was the mother of Robert 
Camm, who was also remarkable for his fine 
talents, and whose early death was much deplored 
by a large circle of friends. This venerable lady 
survives, and, at an advanced age, retains all of 
her faculties in a remarkable degree. She resides 
on her estate, in the county of Amherst, managing 
her domestic concerns with great energy. Mrs. 
Camm is the mother of Mrs. Donald and Mrs. 
Anderson, of Bedford ; Mrs. William Saunders, of 
Lynchburg; and Mrs. Dr. David Patterson, of 
Amherst. Mrs. Camm also resided, for a time, in 
the house opposite ; and in the house on the hill 
now occupied by Mr. Cabaniss. The house on the 
hill, now occupied by Mr. BIggers, was the abode of 
Mr. Roberts, a member of the Friends' Society, 
who married Miss Lynch, one of the daughters of 
the founder of Lynchburg ; and this house is now 



162 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

occupied by a grand-daughter of this worthy man, 
Mrs. Mildred Biggers. 

Exactly opposite the residence of Dr. William 
Owens, was a brick cottage, with two doors opening 
on the street. This spot is invested with a pecu- 
liar interest from its having been the residence of 
John Hampden Pleasants, who lived there with his 
lovely wife during the brief period of their married 
life, though this sweet woman was at her mother's 
house at the time of her sudden death. 

In 1826, the house occupied by Dr. Gilmer was 
the residence of Mr. David Patterson, of Buck- 
ingham. He was a good man, and honest, useful 
citizen ; and was a younger brother of Mr. Alex- 
ander Patterson, who was the first to run stages 
between Lynchburg and Richmond. This latter 
gentleman was a person of great energy and enter- 
prise ; and, at the time he first started his line of 
stages, the road between the town and the city of 
Richmond, was almost impassable, and the "Leath- 
ern Convenience" only plied once a week between 
the two places : — the coaches then were very little 
better than wagons, and the passengers clambered 
in, by way of the driver's seat, in front. When 
the stages began to be made comfortable, and to 
have side-doors, they were considered as most lux- 
urious conveyances : they then made two trips in 
one week, and, finally, they made tri-weekly trips, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 163 

■wHich were thought to be the greatest speed, at 
"which public conveyances could arrive. But since 
the canal and railroad have been in operation, the 
pleasures of stage-travelling are now scarce known, 
whilst all those well known and celebrated stop- 
ping places — "Upper Patterson's," " Lower Pat- 
terson's, " "French's," "Raines' Tavern" — are 
broken up, and many public houses on the Rich- 
mond road untenanted, save by owls and bats. 

The house now owned and occupied by Dr. 
Saunders, was, in 1833, the residence of Dr. Gus- 
TAVUS Rose, a well known and esteemed physician 
of Lynchburg. This gentleman was the youngest 
brother of those remarkable women, Mrs. James 
Pleasants, Mrs. Spottswood Garland, Mrs. Charles 
Irvine, Mrs. Landon Cabell, Sr., and Mrs. Cope- 
land, of Cumberland. Dr. Rose married Anna, 
daughter of David S. Garland, Esq., of Amherst 
county. No one in Lynchburg can ever forget this 
lovely woman, so remarkable for all the traits which 
adorn the wife, mother and friend ; and feelings of 
the past so rush into our heart, filling it with 
sweet, hallowed memories of her many virtues, that 
we feel inadequate to give such a sketch of her as 
would do justice to her memory. About twenty- 
three years since. Dr. Rose emigrated to Indiana, 
where his excellent wife died in 1856, leaving a 
large family settled near Laporte, Indiana. 



164 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE LANGHORNE FAMILY. 

** The same fond mother bent at night 
O'er each fair sleeping brow ; 
She held each folded flower in sight — 
Where are those dreamers now? " 

Hemans. 

A large old wooden Hotel stood nearly opposite 
the Episcopal Church. It was formerly the " Bell 
Tavern," kept for many years by Mr. "Wells.* It 
was afterwards the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Doug- 
lass, who there kept a Seminary; then, for a time, 
it was inhabited by the late Mr. Pleasant Pastier. 
It was a rumbling old building, reminding one of 
the "Blue Lion, Muggleton," the "Great White 
Hart," or " The Great White Horse Cellar." Some 
years since, this edifice was purchased by Colonel 

* Are there any surviving, who attended school on Church 
Street many years since, when a fat boy and girl were exhibited 
at this place? Their pictures were swung out from the porch, 
greatly alluring the little folks who passed by ; that of the fat 
boy, with an orange in his hand, and a portrait of the girl with 
a full blown rose. 



i 



OF LYNCHBURG. 165 

Maurice Langhorne, and by him much modernized. 
It was the happy and hospitable abode of this family 
for some years, but it has since been pulled down, 
and in its place now stands a stately building, quite 
like the style of Philadelphia or New York. 

Colonel Maurice Langhorne was a native of 
Cumberland county, and in early life was united 
in marriage to Elizabeth Allen, a lady of great 
worth and loveliness, and for a number of years 
after this event, they resided in the vicinity of 
Cumberland Court-house. In the year 1828, re- 
moving with his family to Lynchburg, he for a term 
of years leased the beautiful residence of William 
Lewis Cabell, the house now occupied by D. Payne, 
Esq. Their arrival was quite an epoch in the social 
life of Lynchburg ; for the amiable, kindly disposi- 
tion of the Langhorne family, joined to their hospi- 
tality, soon made their abode a favorite place in 
the town. Mrs. Elizabeth Langhorne was greatly 
beloved and esteemed, and her memory will ever be 
fondly cherished by friends, who will look back 
with admiration on her lovely exemplification of the 
Christian life. In this house, passed away, in the 
spring of 1832, one of the fairest and loveliest girls 
of Lynchburg. Sally Cary Langhorne, the 
second daughter of Colonel Maurice Langhorne, 
died at the age of seventeen. Lovely both in per- 
son and character, her untimely death spread for a 



166 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

length of time a gloom over the town.* Death 
could not efface the beauty of this young girl, and 
very many went to the house of her father to gaze 
on her lifeless remains, which, in their beautiful re- 
pose, resembled an angel. 

Elizabeth Langhorne, the eldest daughter, 
was singularly lovely in appearance. Her form 
perfectly symmetrical, her complexion pure and 
beautiful, her bright golden hair actually seeming 
to gild her youthful features, throwing around them 
a halo. 

Whilst the heart throbs with tender emotion at 
the recollection of a beloved school-mate, we cannot 
adequately express the warm appreciation we have 
of this very lovely woman. She became the wife 
of Anderson Armistead, Esq., blessing his house 
hold with the sunshine of her cheerful, loving 
heart. Rejoicing as a wife and mother, she was 
called, during the full tide of youth and happiness, 
to join her beloved sister in heaven ; and mourn- 
fully do we now record the departure of MARY,f 

** The last of that bright band. 



* The funeral of this sweet girl vras preached three times ; 
once at the Presbyterian Church, whither her remains were car- 
ried, and on the Sabbath afterwards, it was preached by her 
affectionate teacher, Rev. F. G. Smith, and the Sabbath follow- 
ing it was preached at the Reform Methodist Church. 

f This amiable lady was the youngest daughter of Colonel 



OF LYNCHBURG. 167 

She was the wife of J. Kerr Caskie, Esq., sur- 
viving her marriage only a short time, and soon 
following to the grave her infant child. 

Colonel M. Langhorne, with a numerous family 
of sons, resides in Lynchburg, and though some- 
what advanced in years, he retains the energy, ac- 
tivity and cheerfulness of youth. Most industrious 
in his habits, a long course of diligence in his pur- 
suits has been crowned with an ample fortune, 
which he enjoys in a rational manner, establishing 
during his lifetime his children and descendants. 



Langhorne, and greatly beloved by all. She died several years 
previous to the death of Mrs. Armistead. 



168 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 



HENRY LANGHORNE— MRS. FRANCES LANGHORNE. 

" When I consider how my light is spent, 
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 
And that one talent which is death to hide, 
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent 
To serve therewith my Maker, and present 
My true account, lest he, returning, chide ; 
* Doth God exact day labor, light denied ? ' 
I fondly ask ; but Patience, to prevent 
That murmur, soon replies, * God doth not need 
Either man's work or his own gifts ; who best 
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best ; his state 
Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding speed 
And post o'er land and ocean without rest ; 
They also serve, who only stand and wait!' " 

Milton's Sonnet on his own blindness. 

Henry Langhorne was a brother of Colonel 
Maurice Langhorne, and was likewise a native of 
Cumberland county. When a very young man he 
was married to Frances, a daughter of James Step- 
toe, Esq., of Bedford, who was for more than forty 
years a clerk of that county. 

Henry Langhorne was a man of great energy 
and strength of character, of ardent temperament, 
and of a disposition most cordial and affectionate. 
For many years he resided in Lynchburg and its 
vicinity, subject to many alternations of fortune, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 169 

but maintaining throughout his unbounded hospi- 
tality. For more than ten years of his life he was 
the victim of a slow, wasting disease ; yet, during 
the whole of that period, he was closely engaged in 
the active pursuit of business, amassing, under these 
trying circumstances, a large fortune, and providing 
liberally the whilst for a large number dependent 
on him. A few years since he removed to the 
county of R-oanoke, where he died in 1854. 

Mrs. Frances Langhorne was a very remarka- 
ble woman, possessing those high-minded, magnani- 
mous traits for which her venerable father was so 
remarkable. Passing calmly through a life che- 
quered with vicissitudes, she was at all times the 
quiet, cheerful Christian. In her youth she was 
singularly lovely, her large blue eyes radiant with 
love and hope, shedding the mildest rays to gladden 
the social domestic circle. But before she had at- 
tained the age of thirty, she lost her eye-sight, and 
in a short time she became totally blind. Yet she 
retained her buoyancy and cheerfulness, continuing 
in her habits of industry, and frequently taking 
from beneath her pillow at night sewing, with which 
she had provided herself, lest the watches of the 
night should be tedious. 

For some time they resided at Chesnut Hill, the 
former residence of Judge Edmund Winston, and 
during the time they were living there, the house 
15 



170 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 

took fire whilst Mr. Langhorne was absent, and was 
entirely burnt to the ground, consuming, too, nearly 
every article of clothes and furniture. It was a 
time of fearful panic and alarm — a mother deprived 
of sight, with her young children in this burning 
dwelling ; yet, to the astonishment of all, this noble 
woman preserved throughout this trying scene per- 
fect calmness and self-possession, issuing to all di- 
rections in an unfaltering voice, going herself to 
the secretary of Mr. Langhorne, and amidst the 
crash of falling timbers, the terrible sighing of the 
raging element, and the broad-side showers of hot 
coals, she saved every paper of importance belong- 
ing to her husband. The house of a kind brother 
in Lynchburg was, for a time, the home of Mr. 
Henry Langhorne's family, till a new building could 
be erected at Chesnut Hill. Returning then to 
their cheerful, happy home, they resided there for a 
few years, continuing the exercise of their generous 
hospitality. In the year 1830, Mrs. Langhorne's 
health declining, she yielded to the solicitations of 
her friends, and went to the residence of Colonel 
M. Langhorne in Lynchburg, hoping that change 
of air might restore to her cheek its beautiful 
bloom, and strengthen also her exhausted frame. 
For a time the interesting invalid seemed to rally, 
but early in the summer of that year, she breathed 
her last, at the residence of Colonel Maurice Lang- 
horne, leaving a devoted husband and many chil- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 171 

dreti, some of whose faces she had never gazed on 
in consequence of her loss of sight. 



The house now occupied by Dr. Allison was the 
residence of Wm. Morgan, Esq., Sr., and his ex- 
cellent wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan ; a short dis- 
tance above, was the residence of Judge Daniel, and 
across the street was the Western Hotel, kept by 
John F. Johnson, and a little further on, the Ken- 
tucky Hotel, kept by Mr. Mallory, but afterwards 
by Mr. Eeazle ; and not far off, the large white 
house, on the road leading to the grave^^ard, was the 
town residence of the good and beloved " Staunton 
John Lynch," whilst just below the cemetery was a 
modest white house, where lived Mr. Vawter, with 
his family, at the time of his death. 

Just below the Western Hotel, on a cross street, 
was the residence of Mr. Matthew Brown, a use- 
ful, honest, excellent citizen, who lived there for 
many years with his family. Of the survivors are 
Mrs. Mathews, of Lewisburg, Edwin Brown, Esq., 
of Monroe county, and Howell Brown, Esq., of 
Amherst, together with Miss Brown, of the latter 
place ; of those gone before, the good Mrs. Samuel 
Wiatt; and amongst the early called, Eveline 
Brown, a child of great piety and excellence, who 
died many years since in Lynchburg. 



172 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG. 

Until the year 1819, Episcopacy was quite un- 
known in Lynchburg. About that time or earlier, 
Bishop Ravenscroft* visited Lynchburg, preaching in 
the old Methodist Church. Robed in gown and bands, 
and walking up the aisle of the church, his appear- 
ance excited the wonder and astonishment of the 
good people of the town, particularly that of the 
small boys, who verily believed the Bishop to have 
been an elderly lady in a black morning wrapper. 

Notice having been given that this worthy pre- 
late would discourse at the old Methodist Church, 
those who were interested immediately set about to 
procure a few persons to respond to the morning 
service. The Carter and Tucker families, and the 
ladies of the Byrd family, all possessed prayer- 
books, and knew how to go through the services ; 



* Having nothing to rely on but memory, the precise date is 
not accurately known, and indeed the writer is not even certain 
of the name of the Bishop ; it was an Episcopal one — she 
thinks Rishop Ravenscroft. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 173 

but, for the credit of the town, it was deemed abso- 
lutely necessary to have at least one male voice in 
the responses. Accordingly they procured the ser- 
vices of one Meredy, an Englishman, who had a 
large red prayer-book. He stood in front of the 
gallery, holding his prayer-book very conspicuously, 
responding loudly, and surveying the congregation 
with an air of superiority, mingled with compassion 
for their ignorance. 

After this time, a minister by the name of Tread- 
way, occasionally preached in Lynchburg, but the 
attendance being always small, and the services 
not popular, Mr. Treadway was discouraged from 
making any attempt to rear there the standard of 
Episcopacy. To the Rev. Nicholas Cobbs, now 
Bishop of Alabama, is Lynchburg indebted for the 
first dawning of an Episcopal Church. This ex- 
cellent man was a native of Bedford county, and, 
in early youth, he adopted the profession of school- 
teaching. Soon after his marriage, he made a 
profession of religion ; and, partly through the 
influence of the late Mr. Seth Ward, he connected 
himself with the Episcopal Church. Mr. Cobbs 
was much beloved in the town of Lynchburg, and 
his well known humility and piety disposed persons 
to listen attentively to his preaching ; and, in time, 
the morning service, with his earnest manner of 
reading, became very popular. Though located in 
his native county, Mr. Cobbs had a peculiar and 



174 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

tender care of the parish in Lynchburg, greatly 
aiding, by his counsel and sympathy, the first Epis- 
copal minister who settled in that place. 

About the year 1822, or 1823, the Rev. F. G. 
Smith established himself in Lynchburg, making 
his home in the house of Thomas Wyatt, where, 
during the lifetime of that excellent man, he re- 
mained. Mr. Smith established in the town, a 
school of first class for boys, teaching during the 
week in the Masonic Hall, and preaching in his 
school-room every Sabbath. Notwithstanding the 
opposition, at this time, to Episcopacy, Mr. Smith 
continued to preach under discouraging circum- 
stances, and, for some years, without even the 
smallest salary. He was a man of great worth 
and purity of character, exercising at all times that 
" charity which beareth all things and is not easily 
provoked." His uniform mildness and gentleness 
effected in Lynchburg more than could be ima- 
gined — the Church members increased, and the 
use of the prayer-book became common throughout 
that little band of worshipers in the old Masonic 
Hall. He caused great improvements to be made 
in church-music, and the chants were, under his 
instruction, beautifully sung, with all the different 
parts. It was at length determined to build a 
church. Mrs. Sarah Cabell, the wife of the late 
Dr. George Cabell, presenting them with the 



OP LYNCHBURG. 175 

ground, the corner stone was laid in the year 
1825 — the work progressing rapidly, the pastor 
aiding by liberal donations from his own small 
store. The Thespian Society, headed by the late 
Hardin Murrel, Giles Ward and William Diggs, 
had, during the summer of that year, a series of 
entertainments at the old theatre, the proceeds 
being applied to the benefit of the Church. 

Mrs. Sarah Cabell was a lady of great elegance 
and refinement, a devoted member of the Episcopal 
Church, and fondly did she look forward to the 
time when she could worship in the Church of her 
adoption ; but early in the spring of 1826, she 
died after a short illness. At this time the Church 
was quite in an unfinished state, but it was pressed 
forward with great eagerness, as the first Episcopal 
Convention in upper Virginia was to hold its meet- 
ing in this new church during the month of May. 
A great concourse of visitors assembled at this time 
in Lynchburg, whilst the august body of lay- 
delegates and ministers made a strong impression 
on the good people of the town. It had been 
arranged that the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Cabell 
should be preached, by the Rev. F. G. Smith, the 
last Sunday evening of the Convention. This lady 
had been greatly attached to her pastor, and it was 
fitting that he who so well appreciated her shining 
traits and lofty character, should preach her funeral 
sermon. But it was a task too trying to his heart ; 



176 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

his feelings of friendship for that excellent lady 
were of too sacred and tender a nature to allow 
him to speak of her in public. A terrific thunder- 
storm coming on during the sermon, many of the 
congregation expressed audibly their fears. Mr. 
Smith had been greatly affected whilst delivering 
this funeral discourse ; and whilst the storm con- 
tinued to rage, a scene most touching occurred. 
Overpowered by his feelings, he descended from 
the pulpit, unable to speak ; and the congregation, 
though awed and alarmed at the tempest, could not 
but sympathize with this young pastor in those tears 
shed for one whom he looked upon in the light of a 
mother. 

After the completion of the Church, an organ 
was purchased ; and, in the summer of 1828, a fair 
was held at the Franklin Hotel, for the benefit of 
the Church. This was the first fair ever held in 
Lynchburg : it was a brilliant, beautiful scene — 
such a one as has never since been witnessed in 
that city, — the late John E. Norvelle directing and 
assisting with his taste in all the arrangements, 
and. during the nights of the exhibition, bringing 
a large band of amateur-musicians to enliven the 
scene. How many bright recollections are asso- 
ciated with this Fair ! How many who there pre- 
sided, have long since been called away ; how many 
around whom clustered the tenderest hopes, have 
lived to see those hopes blasted, and to mourn the 



OF LYNCHBURG. 177 

loved ones who stood by their side in all the pride 
and buoyancy of youth. James W. Pegram had 
but recently been married to the lovely Miss Vir- 
ginia Johnston. She presided at one of the tables, 
and near her stood the manly form of her young 
husband. Of all who then gazed on these two, so 
happy in mutual love, and blest in the possession of 
all the world can give, not one could have foreshad- 
owed the mournful termination which fifteen years 
would bring to their happiness. The last night of the 
Fair was finished with an auction — George White- 
locke, Esq., acting the part of an auctioneer, and 
dispensing his witty comments and remarks to the 
great amusement of the bystanders. The amount 
more than equalled the greatest expectations, and 
the proceeds were immediately applied to liquidating 
the debts of the Church. 

By slow degrees, the Episcopal denomination 
increased ; and, during the summer of 1828, a 
general revival taking place in the Churches of 
Lynchburg, considerable numbers were at this time 
added to the Church, continuing its most valued 
and devoted members. Amongst these was Mrs. 
Saluda Norvelle, wife of Edmund Norvelle, Esq. 
Her bright example was felt throughout a large 
circle of friends and relatives, who remember her 
with tender affection, mingled with deep regret at 
her untimely death in 1835. 



178 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Mr. and Mrs. Seth Ward were members of this 
Church, having at a very early date enjoyed the pri- 
vilege of attending the ministry of the Rev. Mr. 
Jarrat, "who was one of the first Episcopal Minis- 
ters who attempted to revive that Church subse- 
quent to the American Revolution. Mr. Ward 
was a native of the lower country, and when a 
young man he was united in marriage to Miss 
Martha Norvelle, a sister of Captain William Nor- 
velle, of Lynchburg; and a few years after that 
event, they settled in New London. His heart 
was ever deeply engaged in the cause of religion, 
and the Church of his youth; and, during the time 
of his prosperity, his money was liberally expended 
in furthering this darling object, and, in the days 
of his adversity, he gave far beyond his means. 
Soon after settling in Bedford county, Mr. Ward 
built, pretty much at his own expense, a small 
Church, known as Chax-creek Church, in which 
Mr. Crawford officiated. That Church has long 
since gone down, and Trinity, through the instru- 
mentality of the Rev. Nicholas Cobbs, was built 
near the original Church. Mr. Ward took an 
active part in first procuring for Lynchburg the 
services of the Rev. William S. Reid, of the first 
Presbyterian Church, the former being at that time 
the only Episcopalian in town, was of course unable 
to procure the services of the Church of his choice. 
He was very influential in building the Church of 



OP LYNCHBURG* 179 

St. Stephen's in Bedford county, near whicli he 
lived; and, though not at that time residing in 
Lynchburg, he took a very active interest in pro- 
curing a minister, joining the congregation and 
building the Church. 

An extract from a letter written by the Rev. 
William Norvelle Ward, a son of this excellent 
man, thus feelingly speaks of his venerable father : 
"I think my parent, in life, could say from the 
heart 

' I love Thy kingdom, Lord; 
The house of Thine abode !' 

And, I am sure, that fond regard for the memory 
of my father is not carrying me too far, when I 
say, that the services of the Church in that country, 
owes as much, perhaps more, to him than to any 
other, either clerical or lay. He laid the founda- 
tion on which such men as Bishop Cobbs and others 
built their spiritual temples. ' He rests from his 
labors, and his works do follow him.' "* 

!rhe establishment of Mr. F. G. Smith's school 
was a new epoch in Lynchburg, he being one of 
the first who wisely governed by rewards instead of 
punishment. Acquiring an influence over the minds 



* Mi\ and Mrs. Ward emigrated some years since to Tennes- 
see, where they both died. Several of their daughters reside 
there— Mrs. "Williams, Mrs. Kerr, and Miss Ward. 



180 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

and hearts of his pupils, he gently led them on, 
encouraging the weak and gently restraining the 
most ambitious, he insensibly diffused amongst 
them a love of literature, causing them to be 
desirous of mental culture, and inculcating the 
doctrine, that a school routine is not the finish, but 
the mere commencement of an education, to be 
carried on in after life. In the year 1829, he 
established in Lynchburg, a female school, on a 
high basis. The happiest results attended his sys- 
tem, and, a few years later, marrying Sarah, the 
second daughter of Henry Davis, Esq., the plan of 
the school was much enlarged — the one formed by 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the most superior school 
ever known in Lynchburg. The best teachers were 
provided, and, whilst in full operation, Mr. Smith 
being urgently solicited to take charge of a literary 
institution in Tennessee, he left Lynchburg to the 
regret of his friends and parishoners. A series of 
resolutions, of a most affectionate and respectful 
nature, were drawn up by his congregation, and, in 
the fall of 1837, he left Lynchburg for Columbia, 
where he for many years carried on, with zeal and 
energy, a most extensive course of learning. He 
is, at present, the able and valued principal of the 
Athenaeum near Columbia. Assisted by his excel- 
lent wife, and provided with a corps of competent 
teachers, this institution is undoubtedly the best of 
the sort in the United States. The extensive li- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 181 

brary, the splendid paintings, the numerous musical 
instruments, the beautiful walks, — all these render 
the place most desirable, not to mention the privi- 
lege of associating intimately with persons so 
excellent and highly cultivated as Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith. 

Franklin Genet Smith is a native of one of the 
New England States, and is a son of Judge Smith, 

of State. In very early life he emigrated to 

Virginia, establishing himself in the county of 
Prince Edward, where he, for a time, pursued the 
business of school-teaching. Completely naturalized 
in his adopted State, he secured the esteem of all, 
particularly that of the Presbyterian Church, with 
whose members he was at that time so intimately 
associated.* A finished scholar and literary gen- 
tleman, the wonderful success of his teaching in 
Lynchburg has already been mentioned. His man- 
ner of reading the Morning Service was peculiarly 
beautiful and touching. His sermons were perfect 
in style and finish — eloquent thoughts being often in 
a few words condensed, — Mr. Smith being remark- 
able for simplicity and conciseness. Passages from 
many of his sermons are remembered, and with 



* It would seem that this brief memoir should have been in- 
serted several pages earlier, but it could not be done ■without 
interruption to the sketch of the Episcopal Church. 

16 



182 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

peculiar feelings one of his most striking, from 
the text, " The night is far spent and the day is at 
hand." This sermon was preached several times 
bj request, and is still remembered by the old 
inhabitants of Lynchburg. 

After the removal of Mr. Smith to Tennessee, 
the Church for some years enjoyed the pastoral 
care of the Rev. Mr. Atkinson, at present Bishop 
of the diocese of North Carolina. The congrega- 
tion are now most happy under the ministry of the 
Rev. William Klnckle, well known and beloved in 
our community. How blessed has been this Church, 
which has been so favored for thirty-seven years, 
as to have alternately the services of three such 
excellent pastors as Mr. Smith, Mr. Atkinson and 
Mr. Kinckle. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 183 



MASONRY IN LYNCHBURG. 

BALL ON ST. JOHN'S DAY.— IRISH JOHN ROBERTSON. 

*'The trowel is an instrument made use of, by opera- 
tive masons, to spread the cement which unites a build- 
ing into one common mass ; but we, as Free and Accepted 
Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble 
and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of bro- 
therly love and affection ; that cement which unites us 
into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, 
among whom no contention should ever exist, but that 
noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best 
work and best agree.'' 

WoEK ON Masonry. 

The old Masonic Hall of Lynchburg stood on 
the spot where the new one now rears its head. 
It was a common two-story building, without device 
or ornament to distinguish it from the surrounding 
houses ; yet it was held in great awe by the chil- 
dren, who generally avoided that side of the street, 
under the firm impression that his satanic majesty 
was kept chained in the cellar below, and it was 



184 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

also believed that up stairs there were piles of cof- 
fins, a skeleton, and horrors sufficient, with tolera- 
ble economy, to have lasted Mrs. Radcliffe through 
at least one romance. 

Yet Masonry flourished in Lynchburg, proces- 
sions were numerous, and, as they generally paraded, 
Church Street, the sound of wind instruments, by 
which they were always preceded, was hailed with 
joy by the numerous candidates for learning who 
sat within the dififerent schools of that section. A 
most wholesome interruption and innocent amuse- 
ment was thereby afforded to the youth of this good 
town,* and they would return to their labors re- 
freshed by the pleasing sight of the whole Masonic 
fraternity marching two and two, with blue scarfs 
and Masons' aprons. Captain Tardy, in crimson 
scarf, with Bible in hand. Colonel Holmes by his 
side, with other insignia, the Master Masons, with 
striking symbols of the craft — all of these being 
gazed upon with that species of awe and admiration, 
known only in early childhood. 

These halcyon days are past, celebrations seldom 
occur, and even the great pageantry of a Masonic 
funeral is seldom witnessed. It is a pity that so 
ancient and honored an institution should be ne- 



* Quite as much so as that afforded by the military of Ro- 
chester, mentioned by Mr. Pickwick. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 185 

glected ; for a conscientious Mason is obliged, at 
least outwardly, to conform to the rules of Chris- 
tianitj, and one who is truly one of the disciples of 
Hiram, is not far from the kingdom of God. 

In the month of December, 1827, a Masonic ball 
was given at the Franklin Hotel, on the day of St. 
John the Baptist — such a ball and supper as only 
Mrs. Robert Morriss knew how to provide. Strange 
it seems that there should have been a sumptuous 
entertainment on the birth night of him whose 
"meat was locusts and wild honey;" but so it was, 
and so brilliant a display of beauty and fashion had 
never before been seen in Lynchburg. The Bible, 
the compass, the trowel, the mallet, and all the 
other appropriate symbols of Masonry were arranged 
round the spacious ball-room, amidst festoons of 
evergreen. None but ladies were admitted, till the 
folding doors opening, the Masons in full regalia 
entered the room, forming a circle. The citizens 
then followed, the grand Master Mason then taking 
out a book, read therefrom a short address ; then 
was sung a Masonic ode by the Fraternity, con- 
cluding with a tribute to the ladies. The whole of 
this imposing scene now appears as a brilliant pano- 
rama ; and mingled with pleasing recollections of 
that evening, how many sad thoughts arise, filling 
the heart with mournful retrospections of the past ! 
The gay, the brave, the beautiful, so many now lie 
mouldering in silent dust, or live to mourn the bro- 



186 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

ken ties of that joyous time. The late Maurice 
Garland, on this evening so full of youth and hope, 
the life of the little circle at that end of the room, 
and so gallant and imposing in the becoming regalia 
and crimson scarf; the lovely Sarah May, of Buck- 
ingham, in all the freshness and beauty of girlhood : 
a few years later, we beheld her as a wife and mo- 
ther, not with the blissful expression of these sacred 
relations, but with the wan and fevered look of the 
invalid, hastening home to take a last farewell of a 
young family, and then meekly resign her gentle 
spirit to Him who gave it. 

At this ball was John Robertson, usually known 
by the soubriquet of " Irish John Robertson." His 
broad forehead, his gold spectacles, his portly form, 
habited in the old-fashioned garb, with short 
breeches, long stockings and knee-buckles — all these 
made him, in outward appearance, a fac simile of 
Pickwick, though he was widely different from that 
worthy gentleman in bland manners and social 
traits, for Irish John Robertson was an isolated man. 

Emigrating from Ireland when very young, he 
had chosen Lynchburg for his home, where, by a 
long course of frugality and industry, he had accu- 
mulated quite a large fortune. He was a singular 
man, mingling little in society, and seeming to re- 
gard Masonry as his sole tie to mankind. Whence 
was it, that thus he passed through life, without 
forming near connexions, or without seeming to 



OF LYNCHBURG. 187 

feel that in the city of hills he had found a resting- 
place ? Had a great disappointment in early life 
caused him to feel the vanity of worldly objects, 
and taught him to centre his hopes on a more sure 
basis, in the Celestial city ? It was a different mo- 
tive which actuated him — which had caused him "to 
rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sor- 
row." It had been the hope of his youth, the de- 
termination of his manhood, the comfort of his age. 
It was an intense desire to return to his beloved 
Emerald Isle, and there, amidst the cherished 
scenes of his boyhood, to pass his remaining days, 
and then to be laid quietly in the old church-yard 
by the side of his parents, not far from the grave 
of sweet Kathleen Mavourneen, for whom in child- 
hood he had gathered the pratees and cut the bog, 
and whose taper fingers he had watched, as she 
spun the flax by the evening fire, whilst her low, 
sweet voice gently murmured the song of his native 
land. 

In the autumn of 1830, arranging his affairs, he 
bade adieu to the old musty counting-room, and left 
Lynchburg buoyant with expectation of again be- 
holding Ireland. Proceeding by rapid stages to 
New York, he embarked from that city to his na- 
tive land, but on arriving at his old home, he found 
none there remaining who remembered him. The 
friends of his childhood "and youth were no more, 
his father's dwelling had been levelled to the 



188 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

ground ; even the household graves could not be 
identified, and in bitter disappointment the stern 
man wept. 

In a brief time he re-embarked for America, and 
returning to Lynchburg, he sought his old counting- 
room, endeavoring to again interest himself in the 
pursuits of business. But, alas ! the motive was at 
an end; the day dream of his youth was eifaced; 
and in the scene of his early struggles, he lingered 
out for a few years a mournful existence. His re- 
mains were followed to their last resting-place by 
the Masonic Fraternity, who there rendered a last 
solemn tribute to him who for years had been a 
worthy and prominent member of the Lynchburg 
Lodge. 

" When silent time -wi' lightly foot 

Had trod on thirty years, 
I sought again my native land 

Wi' mony hopes and fears — 
Wha kens gin the dear friends I left 

May still continue mine, 
Or gin I e'er again shall taste 

The joys I left behind. 

As I drew near my ancient pile, 

My heart beat all the way, 
Ilk place I passed seemed yet to speak 
0' some dear former day. 
Those days that followed me afar, 

Those happy days of mine. 
Which made me think the present joys 
A' naething to Lang Syne. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 189 

The ivied tower now met my eye, 

Where minstrels used to blow, 
Nae frend stepped forth wi' open hand 

Nae weel kenned face I saw. 
Till Donald tottered to the door, 

Wham I left in his prime, 
And grat to see the lad return, 

He bore about Lang Syne. 

I ran to ilka dear friends' room, 

As if to find them there, 
I knew where ilk ane used to sit, 

And hang o'er mony a chair, 
Till soft remembrance threw a veil 

Across these e'en a mine, 
I closed the door and sobbed aloud 

To think on Auld Lang Syne. 

Ye sons to comrades of my youth, 

Forgie an auld man's spleen, 
Wha midst your gayest scenes still mourns 

The days he once has seen. 
When time has past and seasons fled, 

Your hearts will feel like mine. 
And aye the sang will maist delight. 

That minds ye of Lang Syne." 

Blamiee. 



190 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THOMAS ESTON RANDOLPH. 

" Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who shall 
dwell in thy holy hill ? 

He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, 
and speaketh the truth in his heart T' — Psalm XY. 

Thomas Eston Randolph was a native of Bris- 
tol, England, descended from the poet Thomas 
Randolph. He was also nearly connected with the 
family of Gilford, a name well known in the literary 
circles of Great Britain and America. 

Mr. Randolph was a wealthy English gentleman, 
one of those merchant-princes who plough the main, 
bringing to our shores the luxuries of the old world, 
carrying in return the materials from which the 
skill of the Britons produce those beautiful textures, 
which, for so many years, was the sole dress of the 
Americans. AVhilst in Virginia, after one of his 
voyages, he visited the different members of the 
Randolph family, and, during a sojourn at the 
hospitable mansion of Thomas Randolph, of Tuck- 
ahoe, captivated by the beauty aud loveliness of 
Jane Randolph, a daughter of that gentleman, he 
determined to settle in the Old Dominion, after 



OF LYNCHBURG. 191 

having made seventeen voyages across the Atlantic. 
A gentleman of great worth and piety, Virginia 
may justly be proud of this her adopted son, who 
was shortly after married to Jane Randolph. Re- 
moving to a splendid estate, he there resided for a 
number of years in affluence and elegance, prac- 
tising all the hospitality and living in all the ease 
and comfort of a wealthy planter and slaveholder. 
At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Jane Ran- 
dolph was a very beautiful woman; and, though 
remembered by the younger members of her family, 
only as a pale, feeble invalid, still her appearance, 
even at this time, was very lovely, and through all 
those years of sickness, she was the mainspring of 
the family — its order, comfort and happiness, de- 
pending on her. Though confined to her chamber 
six months of every year, yet from that spot ema- 
nated an influence gentle, yet so strong — practical, 
yet so beautiful — that its results are seen and felt 
now, and eternity will reveal the whole. To her 
daughters, she set an example of all a woman and 
Christian should be, shoAving woman's true place 
and teaching them to love it and its duties, because 
its lot was appointed by a Heavenly Father. She 
taught them to desire the love of God above all 
other things — and she was, herself, a living example 
of Christ, where all might read the beauty of holi- 
ness and the power of vital piety. 



192 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

A sudden reverse depriving Mr. Randolph of 
nearly the whole of his estate, it was at this period 
that the grace of God was found sufficient to sup- 
port, under trying circumstances, those who put 
their trust in Him.* Cheerfully relinquishing his 
elegant mansion, with all the comforts and luxuries 
to which they had been accustomed, and retaining 
only a small number of his faithful servants, he 
bade adieu to the beloved homestead, which had to 
him been the scene of unalloyed happiness. For a 
short time this family resided in !New London, but 
in the autumn of 1827 they moved to Lynchburg, 
taking possession of the house formerly occupied 
by Robert Morriss, Esq., but recently the residence 
of Chiswell Dabney, Esq. 

Sweet, indeed, are the uses of adversity ! Such 
latent qualities it developes — such hidden good it 
brings to light ! The daughters of this family, then 
in the full tide of youth and beauty, availed them- 
selves of their talents, proving the superiority of 
their education, by now coming forward to aid those 
parents who in infancy and childhood had so kindly 
nurtured them. They immediately established a 
boarding-school of the very first order, and pro- 
curing a music teacher, the success of this youthful 
trio was unprecedented in Lynchburg, and the 

* The Randolph family were deTOut Episcopalians. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 193 

and the establishment of this institution* was the 
dawning of a new era in the town ; for with the 
usual school routine, there was excited in the scho- 
lar a taste for literature and a desire for mental 
cultivation. After continuing about eighteen 
months, the school was broken up by the removal 
of the family to Florida, where it was thought the 
health of Mrs. Randolph would improve, whilst 
breathing the mild, genial atmosphere of this sunny 
land. The first year after their removal to Florida, 
a decided improvement appeared to take place, but 
soon again she failed, and gradually, through pa- 
tiently borne suffering, with words of love and 
counsel to each child, she passed away from earth. 

Mr. Randolph survived his excellent wife for 
many years, his health and comfort being the espe- 
cial care of his beloved youngest daughter. Beau- 
tiful was his old age ! — so fervent and earnest in 
his devotions, so gentle and loving to all around 
him — patient under the failure of strength and 
hearing and all the powers of life. He was only 
confined to his bed a few days, and then he fell 
asleep, like an infant on his mother's bosom, on the 
day he attained the age of seventy-five ; and, as a 
shock of wheat, fully ripe, is gathered into the 



* This was about two years previous to the establishment of 
the Female School by F. G. Smith. 

17 



194 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

garner, so was he called to the mansions prepared 
for him. 

Of the members of this family, there survive 
Mrs. Lucy Parkhill and Mary Page Randolph, who 
reside in the vicinity of Tallahassee, Florida; Dr. 
James Randolph and Arthur Randolph, Esq., of 
the same place. Elizabeth Randolph, the oldest 
daughter, was singularly lovely in character and 
appearance. She became the wife of Francis 
Eppes, Esq., of Poplar Forest, a grandson of Tho- 
mas Jefferson. Emigrating with her husband and 
family to Florida, she survived only a few years 
after their establishment in the South. Harriet, the 
second daughter, was also a very beautiful woman, 
endowed with every grace and accomplishment 
which could add a lustre to a well-cultivated mind 
and noble heart. During her residence in Lynch- 
burg, she exercised a great sway and influence over 
the circle in which she moved, giving a tone to 
society, and embellishing it by her queenly appear- 
ance. Soon after their removal to Florida, she was 
married to Dr. Willis, but surviving only one year 
this event, her untimely death cast over her 
friends a dark shadow, which time, with its healing 
balm, cannot wholly dispel. 



Ann Lewis, who remained in this family during 
the period in which their school was in operation, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 195 

We can feel no surprise at the great success of Dr. 
was a native of Philadelphia, and a member of one 
of the first families in the City of Brotherly Love. 
Her mother was Miss Hartshorne, a relative of the 
distinguished physician of that name ; and her fa- 
ther was at one time a wealthy gentleman, but 
failing in business whilst his children were all 
young, Mrs. Lewis wisely reared them, so that each 
might aid in the prosperity of the other. Ann, 
having a great genius for music, was educated as a 
teacher of this science, whilst the others were 
brought up just as their talents gave promise of 
success in any particular department. Just as 
Ann had reached the age of twenty, she was re- 
commended to the Randolph family, by a lady 
from Virginia ; and, bringing with her the warmest 
letters of introduction, this lovely and intelligent 
young lady met with a reception worthy of the 
Old Dominion; for kindness and hospitality were 
literally showered on her, so that she was the life 
of the social circle in Lynchburg, who will long 
remember her for her bright, cheerful wit and 
delightful music. 

On leaving Lynchburg, she accepted a situation 
as music-teacher in Princeton, New Jersey, and 
shortly after, marrying Mr. William Clay of Phila- 
delphia, she accompanied her husband to New 
Orleans, where they for several years resided. 
During the prevalence there of yellow-fever in 



196 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

1833, William Clay "was claimed as its victim, and 
from that time Ann Clay lost all desire for life, 
feeling that existence "was in future a blank to her ; 
so that those "who kne"w and loved her best, could 
not selfishly grieve "when in a brief space she "was 
called hence to join her husband in another world. 



The house occupied and o"wned formerly by 
Robert Morriss, Esq., "was, in 1823, the residence 
of Mrs. Brown, of Amherst, "wife of Dr. James 
Bro"wn,* "who "was a brother of the distinguished 
Dr. Thomas Bro"wn of Edinburgh, formerly Pro- 
fessor of Moral Philosophy, the successor of Dugald 
Ste-wart, and the predecessor of the great and good 
Wilson. 

This excellent lady "was a valued resident of 
Lynchburg, for several years ; and she is "well- 
remembered, together "with her family, by all of 
the old inhabitants of the to"wn. She "was the 
mother of Mrs. Archer Bobertson, of Amherst, 
and Dr. John Bro"wn, of Charlotte Courthouse, 
-who received his education in Edinburgh, under 
the immediate care of his distinguished uncle. 

A brief tribute must here be offered to Thomas 
Brown, second son of Dr. James Brown, of New 

* The remains of Dr. James Brown repose in the Presby- 
terian graveyard of Lynchburg. 



OP LYNCHBURa. 197 

Glasgow, Amherst county. This young man was a 
resident of Lynchburg for some years, where he 
was greatly esteemed. He was a lawyer of fine 
talents and great promise. He married Miss Cole- 
man, of Orange, or Caroline county, when he 
removed from Lynchburg. His untimely death 
in 1835, was a great sorrow to his relatives and 
numerous friends. 

This house was for a brief period the residence 
of Col. Maurice Langhorne : it was then purchased 
and greatly improved by the late Maurice Garland, 
who was there residing at the date of his death, 
which occurred, in the prime of manhood, in 1841. 



198 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



MISCELLANEOUS CHARACTERS. 

Many persons in Lynchburg doubtless remember 
an unfortunate man, whose name was James Mose- 
LEY, but more commonly known and recognized by 
that of "Molly Peckerwood." But, few are aware 
that James Moseley was of respectable parentage, 
and gently reared and nurtured under the influence 
of the quiet doctrines of Quakerism. He was a 
native of Bedford county, passing his childhood 
and youth in the vicinity of Goose Creek, having 
been placed, when a mere boy, in the store of Chris- 
topher Anthony, Sr., where he for some years per- 
formed the offices of clerk and book-keeper. On 
removing to Lynchburg, Mr. Moseley married a 
young lady of an excellent family ; but soon after 
that time he became intemperate, and continued to 
be so till the day of his death, with only a few brief 
intermissions. He had been a man of amiable dis- 
position, and considering the period in which he 
lived, his education had been quite well conducted. 
His hand-writing was a very elegant one, and very 
proud was he of this accomplishment, never omit- 
ting any opportunity of making a display in chi- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 199 

rograpliy. The style of his letters was extremely 
like that of Wilkins Micawber, particularly in the 
manner of concluding them, and in the final flourish 
attached to his superscription. He was principally 
supported by a gentleman of Lynchburg, who placed 
him at the house of Captain Benjamin A. Phil- 
ips ; and every few days would Mr. Moseley send 
a note, elegantly gotten up, telling the particulars 
of his residence with that well known personage, 
and generally winding up by saying, '' Captain B. 
A. Philips has shown me much attention and re- 
spect." On visiting the office of a gentleman, if 
no one were within, he would seat himself at the 
writing-desk, and with many ornamental strokes of 
the pen, he would write : " Sir, permit me to won- 
der that you should thus leave your office;" and 
about twice a year he would go to Bedford, where 
he established a writing-school, the proceeds of 
which he usually applied to furnishing himself with 
breakfast and '''trimmings,'' as he designated his 
glass of brandy. 

In the month of October, 1835, information 
being giving to James Moseley that Mr. Anthony 
was no more, he was greatly affected, and was in- 
stantly sobered. He attended the funeral, and fol- 
lowed the remains to the grave, where he remained 
till every one else had left the spot, and as he 
turned away, tears flowed down his furrowed cheeks, 
for he felt that he had lost his only friend. He 



200 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

survived this event some years, and died in the 
town of Lynchburg. 



About the year 1819, Lynchburg was the abode 
of many distinguished loafers and beggars, some of 
whom would have been considered eminent in their 
profession, even in these days of progress. A 
family by the name of Kidd were the most promi- 
nent of this class, and systematically, in the town, 
did they levy a species of black mail on the more 
benevolent housekeepers. Ballad Kidd, the head 
of the family, was by profession a house-painter; 
and should even a doubt be thrown on this fact, the 
following lines, from the poems of our townsman, 
Tandy Bogus, set the matter beyond any dispute : 

" Ballad Kidd, indeed lie did 
Agree to paint the church, 
"Which, when he had done. 
He thought it poor fun, 
That he should be left in the lurch." 

There was a material difference between Mr. 
Kidd and the bricklayer in Bleakhouse, the latter 
being visited in " due order" by Mrs. Pardiggle, 
whereas, Mr. Kidd himself called at regular inter- 
vals on his neighbors for such articles as were 
wanted for his domestic arrangements. Various 
excellent ladies were, like Mrs. Pardiggle, anxious 



OP LYNCHBURG. 201 

for his soul's good, and tracts, books and religious 
newspapers were not unfrequentlj sent to this 
worthy house-painter ; and, like the bricklayer, 
might have asked of himself, " Did I read that 
little book you sent me ? no" — and he might have 
added, "nor the large book either;" for, after all 
their missionary efforts, the ladies were mortified 
and discouraged to learn that Mr. Kidd only used 
the large Bible sent him, as a sort of portfolio, or 
undisturbed place of safety in which to deposit 
some gaudy colored pictures which he possessed. 

Like most eminent men, though, the capacious 
mind of Mr. Kidd found itself too much circum- 
scribed in the quiet business of house-painting, and 
on a summer's eve, throwing ofi" the shackles thus 
imposed on him, he might have been seen wending 
his way to the best fishing places on the river, accom- 
panied by his sons, Baldwin and Jennings. When 
rewarded by a good string of fish, the family would 
fare sumptuously for a few days, only exacting 
from their neighbors bacon, lard, flour and pepper 
for the purpose of frying their fish. But if, on the 
contrary, the fishermen were unsuccessful, then 
were the boys and girls of the family sent out in 
various directions for the purpose of begging arti- 
cles for supper and breakfast. Being very fond of 
molasses, they had their regular days for going out 
to beg that article ; and on molasses days, they 
placed a large jug in the branch, partly concealing 



202 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

it with sand, and six or seven of the family would 
take the different wards of the town, and meeting 
at the place of rendezvous, they would deposit their 
sweet treasures in the earthen vessel, and jointly 
convey it to the dwelling of their respected relative. 

Several of the females of the family were distin- 
guished in the annals of the town. Miss Cecilia, 
having traveled to Richmond at the public expense, 
spending there several years in that large brick 
building, invidiously called the Penitentiary. 

Miss Isabella suffered from ennui, and owing to 
this peculiar temperament, she became addicted to 
the use of spiritous liquors, often in a fit of absence 
removing from the counter those articles without 
paying for them ; and for these offences, as well as 
for disorderly conduct, she was often escorted to jail 
by her assiduous attendant, that terror of evil- 
doers, Mr. Mason. 



About the year 1820, Captain Epps Spain re- 
sided in a small brick house on Diamond Hill. 
This dwelling had been several times struck with 
lightning, and met with an accident of that sort 
during the sojourn there of Captain Spain. He was 
a humorous man, somewhat eccentric, paying consid- 
erable attention to the culture of flowers, and being 
fond of children, he not unfrequently had calls at 



OP LYNCHBUKQ. 203 

his gate from the little folks on their way to school, 
and they always received from Captain Spain bou- 
quets of pinks and roses, neatly arranged after the 
good old fashion, with a small bunch of thyme in 
their midst. 

He owned a great many servants, and they all 
seemed to lead together a very easy life; but deter- 
mining to remove to the Western country, for this 
purpose Captain Spain purchased a large old-fash- 
ioned yellow carriage, bordered with a wreath of 
blood-red roses. Perceiving that his preparations 
were nearly completed, the community began to 
wonder about his carriage horses, and to enquire 
when he designed getting a pair. The gentleman 
never gave his friends any satisfactory information 
on the subject ; but about 10 o'clock one morning, 
the question about the quadrupeds was satisfactorily 
answered by Captain Spain coming out of the 
house, having his baggage put on the carriage, 
locking the door, and taking out of his pocket a 
piece of chalk, with which he wrote for " For rent." 
Finally, he seated himself in his carriage, taking 
out for perusal the morning's paper; then emerged 
from the kitchen, Sam, Pete, Bill, and a host of 
others. A part took hold of the carriage in front, 
and the rest at the back — and when last Captain 
Spain* was seen, he was sitting reading on the back 

* Whether he really went all the way to the West in this 



204 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

seat, a basket of apples by his side, of whicb he 
was liberally partaking, with as much non-chalance 
as Micawber in the stage eating walnuts out of a 
paper bag. 



There were in Lynchburg many colored persons, 
both free and slaves, who possessed very good char- 
acters, and some of them were remarkable for good 
sense as well as for moral virtues. There were 
uncle Cato and aunt Sophy his wife, Arthur Hol- 
combe, Armistead Pride, who was liberated by his 
master as a reward for his faithful services ; Isaac 
Harrison, who was at one time a slave, but who 
purchased his freedom, sustaining an excellent char- 
acter, and managing his bathing establishment with 
comfort and neatness. He was universally respected 
in Lynchburg, where he died suddenly a few years 
since. 

There was Blind Billy, who will long be re- 
membered, though the soft clear notes of his flute 
are now no more heard. Like all blind persons, he 
possessed a great talent for music, and at balls, 
parties, and military parades, he was a most impor- 
tant personage. Billy was a slave, owned by the 
late Dr. Howell Davies ; and there was not an in- 

manner, is not recollected, but it is certain that he thus left 
Lynchburg. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 205 

habitant of the town who would pass Blind Bill 
without at least a kindly word. His remembrance 
of voices was so remarkable, that he would by that 
means recognize an acquaintance whom he had not 
seen for fifteen or twenty years. His death, occur- 
ring a few years since, left in the musical world a 
chasm not easily supplied ; for who can now play 
so sweetly for us those touching old Scotch airs, 
which tearfully recall the loved, the lost — or who 
can so gladden us with the sounds of merry music 
as poor Blind Bill ! 



18 



206 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE CABELL FAMILY. 

"William Cabell was a native of Warminster, 
England, and was a surgeon in the British Navy. He 
arrived in the colony of Virginia in 1720, and, having 
taken up lands on both sides of James River in the pre- 
sent counties of Amherst, Nelson and Buckingham, he 
laid in that region the foundation of his fortune. He 
was a good scholar, and soon surrounded himself in his 
forest home* with a noble library. He was skilled in his 
profession, which he practiced within a wide sphere — 
was sagacious in business, was fond of rural sports, and 
revelled in the play of a sportive fancy, the sallies of 
which yet afford amusement at the firesides of his 
descendants. Dying at an advanced age in 1774, he did 
not live to hail the advent of Independence; but, like 
his contemporary John Lewis, he contributed four sons 
to the eventful contest in which it was won. Of these 
four sons, the eldest was William, the second was Joseph, 
who at various times was a member of the House of 
Burgesses, especially in 1769, when that body, dissolved 

* Liberty Hall, now the residence of N. F. Cabell, Esq., 
Nelson county. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 207 

by Botetourt, adopted, in the Raleigh Tavern, the agree- 
ment already alluded to, and to which his name is 
attached; and, in 1770, when the Burgesses uniting with 
the merchants, organized the mercantile association which 
also bears his name. He was a member of the Conven- 
tion for March, of July and of December, but gave place 
in May, 1776, to Grabriel Penn, and was subsequently a 
member of the Assembly. The third son, John, was a 
member of the Convention of 1775, and of the Conven- 
tion of which we are now treating. The fourth, Nicholas, 
engaged in the military service of the Revolution, served 
under the command of La Fayette, was a member at 
various times of the Assembly, and an active politician. 
Thus did three sons of the elder Cabell serve in the re- 
spective Conventions, which were held before the Con- 
stitution went into effect.^^ 

Hugh Blair Geigsby. 

Dr. George Cabell, eldest son of Col. John 
Cabell, mentioned above, was born at Green Hill,* 
Buckingham county, about the year 1766. He was 
reared in great hardihood, practising from earliest 
childhood all those athletic sports so well adapted 
for strengthening the constitution. Evincing a 
very decided talent for medicine and surgery, as 
soon as he had attained the proper age, he was sent 
to Philadelphia to attend the medical lectures. At 
that time, Philip Syng Physick was at the zenith of 

* The present residence of Lewis AY. Cabell, Esq. 



208 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

liis fame, and Dr. Cabell proved himself a disciple 
worthy of his distinguished master : and it was said 
in Lynchburg and the adjacent country, that Dr. 
Cabell's skill in surgery was unsurpassed ; so that 
he was never known to display the smallest tremor 
or agitation, even whilst performing the most trying 
and difficult operations. 

Those were the days of calomel and jalap — these 
medicines then being given without limit, followed 
by immense doses of tartarized antimony, and 
ipecachuana, when the suffering patient was only 
permitted the use of drinks luke-warm, and in 
small quantities ; and, although Dr. Cabell did not 
entirely alter this state of affairs, yet he effected a 
considerable reform in these particulars ; and, long 
ere the name of Broussais was known in America, 
Dr. Cabell advocated, in a great measure, the sys- 
tem introduced by that distinguished Frenchman, 
beginning by greatly diminishing the large portions 
of mercury then administered without any limita- 
tion, by allowing the use of ice and cooling drinks, 
and relying greatly on diet and abstinence, to 
reduce inflammatory symptoms. 

The reputation of Dr. Cabell became so great, 
that he often found himself placed in painful and 
difficult positions — for, being regarded with awe 
and superstitious reverence, the patient and friends 
expected him to perform miraculous cures, keeping 
at bay even the great tyrant Death. There can be 



OP LYNCHBURG. 209 

no doubt, however, that the strong faith felt in Dr. 
Cabell, was often beneficial to the sick, buoying up 
the exhausted spirits of the suffering, and thus per- 
mitting them to rally under disease. 

At this time Dr. Samuel K. Jennings* was a 
resident of Lynchburg, being eminent for his skill 
in medicine ; and, with his profession, combining the 
holy calling of a Minister of the Gospel, he was 
often during his practice called upon to pray for 
those who were ill, and to point the way to that 
great Physician, the Saviour of mankind. 

On one occasion, both Dr. Cabell and himself 
were the medical attendants of a gentlemen dan- 
gerously ill. The symptoms of the patient were 
very bad, life appearing to be fast ebbing, so that 
even Dr. Cabell, with his sanguine disposition, 
feared that the sufferer would soon enter the con- 
fines of eternity. Overpowered by the solemnity 
of the scene, and- having nearly abandoned all 
hope, Dr. Jennings sank on his knees by the bed- 
side, pouring forth a prayer both touching and 
eloquent. A sudden ray of hope dawning on Dr. 
Cabell, he arose from his seat to try some fresh 
remedies, calling out to Dr. Jennings, " That's 



* Many of our old inhabitants, doubtless, remember Dr. 
Jennings's " Steam-Bath" — an invention serviceable for rheu- 
matism. 



210 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

right, Brother Jennings* — you for his soul and I 
for his body!" The prayers of this excellent man, 
and the healing remedies of Dr. Cabell were blest : 
a perspiration appearing on the brow of the sick 
man, was pronounced by some, the dew of death ; 
but, ere long, a gentle slumber being induced, so 
gentle, that 

" They thought him dying when he slept !" 

But, on awaking, the crisis of the disease was past, 
and, in a short time, the patient was entirely re- 
stored to health. 

In early life, Dr. George Cabell was married to 
Sarah, the eldest daughter of Judge Edmund Win- 
ston. Mrs. Cabell was a lady of great elegance, 
beauty and refinement, dignifying and adorning the 
high station which she occupied. Their residence 
was, at one time, the house now owned by Mr. A. 
Armistead. They afterwards resided at " The Point 
of Honor," the handsome mansion now owned by 
D. Payne, Esq. Of a large family of sons and 
daughters, only two members survive — J. Brecken- 
ridge Cabell, Esq., of Greenbrier county, and 
George Kuhn Cabell, Esq. 

This family were remarkable for their mental 
culture and accomplishments, particularly that of 
music, the three daughters performing, on difi*erent 

* This anecdote is related by a connexion of Dr. Cabell. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 211 

instruments, in a manner that would excite aston- 
ishment and admiration even at the present day. 
Elvira, the eldest, was the wife of Spottswood 
Henry, Esq. ; Alice, the second, married Walter 
Carrington, Esq. Marian Fontaine Cabell was a 
very superior woman, gifted with wit most refined, 
and a temperament highly poetical and imaginative. 
Long will she be remembered in her native town, 
yfith. just pride, and her early, mournful fate de- 
plored. The thrilling tones of her music still vi- 
brate on the tender chords of memory, though her 
beautiful hands have long lain in the silent tomb. 
She married Dr. Landon Cabell, of Amherst, sur- 
viving only a few years this event. 

The high-minded, warm-hearted William Lewis 
Cabell was the youngest son of Dr. George Cabell. 
His early death, and that of his young wife, has 
already been mentioned ; but, in this place, natu- 
rally the retrospective thought carries us back to 
that period when the greater part of our community 
assembled with downcast looks and tearful eyes, to 
listen to their funeral sermon, preached at the same 
time by the Rev. F. G. Smith, at the Episcopal 
Church of Lynchburg. 



212 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



DR. JOHN J. CABELL. 

John Jordan Cabell was the second son of 
Colonel John Cabell, of Buckingham, and he was 
born at Greenhill, where his parents at that time 
resided. He studied medicine in Philadelphia, 
where he graduated with high honors ; and, estab- 
lishing himself soon after in Lynchburg, he rose 
rapidly in his profession. His reputation as a sur- 
geon was not so great as that of his brother ; but, 
in the practice of medicine, he occupied a standing 
equally high. Dr. John Cabell had an impediment 
in his speech, which made him appear to disadvan- 
tage in society, yet he was a man of enlarged and 
cultivated mind, wielding the pen with power, par- 
ticularly on political subjects : * but the trait for 
which John J. Cabell was most remarkable, was an 
untiring perseverance in the most arduous pursuits, 
and a recuperative energy in the most trying emer- 
gencies of life ; and prominent as are those dispo- 
sitions in the Cabell family, yet in no instance have 
any of its members excelled Dr. John Cabell. An 
anecdote related of him when a boy, may be here 
introduced to display the resources possessed by 
him, even at that tender age. 

* He established, in Lynchburg, the paper called the " Jef- 
fersoniau Republican." 



OF LYNCHBUKa. 213, 

His father was a man of wealth, and was pos- 
sessed of great energy and industry. One morn- 
ing coming in from a very busy scene on his plan- 
tation, somewhat tired and impatient too, in conse- 
quence of the delay of his customary cup of coffee, 
he upbraided John most unjustly for being idle — a 
charge quite undeserved by the subject of this 
sketch, and which might have been shared by many 
other young men, previous to their obtaining a pro- 
fession, or being settled on plantations of their own. 
Stung to the quick by these reproaches, John de- 
termined to go to the county of Monroe, where, at 
that time, his father owned a large body of land. 
When arrived there, finding that the inhabitants of 
that secluded spot desired a little polish, in the 
way of a dancing school, he immediately offered 
himself as a teacher, and was gladly accepted by 
those primitive people. On the day appointed for 
the opening of his " Terpsichore Hall," accompanied 
by a fiddler, he proceeded to the place of rendezvous. 
The tardy country mails, even in those days, some- 
times brought letters, and just as the first strain of 
music had been played, preparatory to commencing 
evolutions, a letter was handed to the youthful 
amateur dancing-master. The lines were from his 
father, urging his speedy return to the paternal 
roof, and promising to settle him on a plantation, 
or to send him to Philadelphia to study medicine. 
With his characteristic taciturnity, John Cabell 



214 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

merely remarked, in a laconic manner, " This 
school is dismissed" — and directly he set out on his 
return to Buckingham. 

Soon after graduating in medicine. Dr. J. Cabell 
married Harrianne Davies, of Bedford, a lady of 
great worth, and whose kind acts and amiable dis- 
position will never be forgotten by her friends 
throughout the State. Dr. Cabell accumulated a 
large fortune, and, purchasing a valuable estate in 
Kanawha, when somewhat advanced in life, he 
established himself there permanently, carrying on 
with great energy and perseverance an extensive 
salt manufactory. It is related of him, that soon 
after purchasing this property, and when compara- 
tively a young man, he ascertained that, for carry- 
ing on his salt works, a certain piece of machinery 
was absolutely necessary. At this time, there were 
no steamboats on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, 
and it was impossible to purchase this piece of 
machinery nearer than Cincinnati ; so Dr. Cabell 
went from Kanawha to that place on horseback, 
purchased the desired article, took it on his shoul- 
der, and thus returned to the salt manufactory. The 
piece of machinery was an immensely long iron 
pipe, extending a distance, both in advance and in 
rear, so that it was visible long before the rider, 
and left a trace when he was partially out of sight.* 

* This anecdote is related by the late F. Sjdnor, Esq. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 215 

J. Cabell in life, when we hear of his brave combat 
with its troubles and difficulties. In the year 1830, 
he removed his family to Kanawha ; and, during 
the summer of 1834, he died very suddenly from 
the effects of exposure whilst attending to his busi- 
ness. His excellent wife survived him many years, 
dying in Lynchburg in the year 1842. 

Of a large family, Mrs. Henrianne Early, of 
Lynchburg alone survives. She is the wife of Sam- 
uel Henry Early, Esq., and they occupy the old 
family mansion, in which for many years Dr. Cabell 
resided, and where his good wife so kindly and 
gently dispensed her hospitalities. As we look 
back and contemplate the departure of that house- 
hold band, we are tempted to wish that we could 
turn aside to the paths of fiction, making a pleasing 
record of blooming health and long life. Mary, 
the oldest daughter, possessed a mind of the highest 
order : she was poetical, and contemplative, and, 
from childhood, she was remarkable for her deep 
and fervent aspirations for a higher and nobler 
state of existence. When she was very young, her 
father became a convert to the doctrines of Em- 
manual Swedenborg — the diffusion of which he 
prosecuted with all the fervid zeal of his nature, — 
and this favorite daughter deeply sympathized with 
her beloved parent in these spiritual views, seeming 
to understand all of his feelings, and to be aware of 



216 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

bis thoughts almost before their utterance ; but this 
sacred intercourse was broken up, Death claiming 
for his own the loving, gentle, intellectual Mary. 

Mrs. Richard Cralle, Mrs. Henry Ward, and 
Mrs. Thomas Friend, were all gifted with superior 
minds and most kindly dispositions. Paulina, the 
most beautiful girl of Lynchburg, joined the sacred 
throng on high, in the month of May, 1835 : the 
touching beauty of her death-scene, was tenderly 
recorded by one who stood beside her and has long 
since joined her in Heaven : 

<' There is no death — what seems so is transition : 
This life of mortal breath, 
Is but a suburb of the life elysian, 
Whose portal we call Death !" 

Of the members of the Cabell family in Lynch- 
burg, Mrs. William Lewis, of Mount Athos, may 
properly be mentioned. She was one of the daugh- 
ters of Joseph Cabell, mentioned in the extract 
from the speech of Hugh Blair Grigsby, Esq. She 
was a faithful and aflfectionate friend, and possessed 
a warm, generous heart. Her husband belonged to 
the Lewis family, of Augusta and Monroe, and he 
was one of the sons of the brave, gallant William 
Lewis, of Augusta, who so nobly participated in 
the revolutionary struggles. She survived her 
worthy husband many years, making her home 
principally in Kentucky, with her sister, the vene- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 217 

rable Mrs. Breckenridge, who was also a daughter 
of Joseph Cabell. 

Mrs. Breckenridge was the wife of Attorney 
General Breckenridge, who received that appoint- 
ment from General Washington ; and, during the 
lifetime of her husband, she emigrated to Ken- 
tucky, where her descendants reside. She was the 
mother of the distinguished Presbyterian ministers 
of that name, and grand-mother of John C. Breck- 
enridge, the Vice President of the United States. 
She was also the mother of Mrs. General Porter, 
of Black Rock, a lady distinguished throughout the 
Union for her worth and excellence, as well as for 
her elegant manners and appearance. Not a great 
many years since, Mrs. Breckenridge visited her 
native State, calling on many friends and relatives, 
and captivating all who met her by her warm- 
hearted sincerity. 

Landon Cabell, Esq., resided for many years 
in the vicinity of Lynchburg, in the county of 
Amherst. He was a grandson of William Cabell, 
of Warminster, England ; and a son of William 
Cabell, of Union Hill. He made his home, also, 
in Lynchburg for a period of eighteen months. He 
was a high-minded, chivalrous man — a true gentle- 
man of the old school, with impulses most generous 
19 



218 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

and feelings most kindly. Of liberal education, 
he continued through life to derive pleasure from 
the use of an extensive library. He died in 1834, 
leaving a widow and three children, of whom Dr. 
R. H. Cabell, of Richmond, and Mrs. E. Preston, 
of Missouri, survive. Many little incidents might 
be recorded to show the generous nature of this 
excellent man, and the delicacy of feeling which 
governed all his actions. Residing for some years 
in the mountains of Nelson county, he was chosen 
magistrate — an office but little adapted to his kind, 
sensitive disposition. He, however, discharged its 
duties with great zeal and faithfulness, and when 
compelled to render a verdict, or judgment, against 
a poor man, Mr. Cabell invariably paid the costs 
for him. 

Mrs. Paulina Daniel, the second wife of Judge 
Daniel, was a sister of Dr. George Cabell, and Mrs. 
George Whitelocke was a daughter of Samuel 
Cabell, Esq., of Soldier's Joy. She was also a sis- 
ter of P. H. Cabell, of Lynchburg, well esteemed 
in the town, and who died in 1838. Mrs. White- 
locke was a lady of most excellent disposition, and 
of fine personal appearance ; and her domestic 
management was the most superior in Lynchburg. 
She resided in the house owned by Mr. Whitelocke, 
just below the house of the Rev. W. S. Reid. In 



OF LYNCHBURG. 219 

1827 this excellent ladj departed this life, leaving 
only one daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bohannan, of Rich- 
mond. 

Mrs. Emeline Scruggs, so well beloved in Lynch- 
burg, is the youngest daughter of Colonel Samuel 
J. Cabell, of Soldier's Joy. This lady is the widow 
of B. E. Scruggs, Esq., a well known and esteemed 
citizen of Lynchburg, who died in the winter 
of 1856, and whose remains repose in the Presby- 
terian graveyard. 

Nor can this chapter be closed without a brief 
tribute to the memory of Mrs. John Morriss, of 
Lynchburg. She was the oldest daughter of Dr. 
Samuel J. Cabell, of Bedford. Her lovely, amia- 
ble disposition, and bright, beautiful face, are 
indelibly impressed on memory ; and, whilst we 
deplore her mournful, untimely death, which took 
place ere the bridal wreath had withered on her 
fair brow, we yet feel every assurance that she now 
rejoices in Paradise, crowned with never-fading 
flowers. Her remains repose in the extreme corner 
of the Presbyterian graveyard, where a most 
elegant, simple and appropriate monument marks 
the spot. 



220 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE WINSTON FAMILY. 

'• He kept a brave old mansion, 
At a bountiful old rate, 
Witb a good old porter to relieve 
The old poor at bis gate. 

Like a fine old English gentleman, 
All of the olden time." 

With the name of Cabell is intimately associated 
that of Winston, not only from their occupying the 
same position in society, but from the circumstance 
of two of the sons of Colonel John Cabell, of 
Buckingham, marrying daughters of Judge Ed- 
mund Winston, of Chesnut Hill, Campbell county. 
Dr. George Cabell was united in marriage to Sarah 
Winston, and some few years later, Frederick Ca- 
bell, Sr., of Nelson, became the husband of Alice, 
the second daughter. 

Judge Edmund Winston was a native of Hano- 
ver county, and when a young man he chose for his 
wife Alice Winston, his first cousin. Settling in 
the latter part of the last century near Lynchburg, 
his abode was the seat of that genuine old Virginia 



OF LYNCHBURG. 221 

hospitality, "which, in this age of steam and tele- 
graph, is so fast departing from our midst. Of the 
high talents and legal abilities of this eminent ju- 
rist, it is not here the intention to make a record, 
but only to recall a few incidents connected with 
this family, alike distinguished for moral worth and 
high mental attainments. Sarah, the accomplished 
and excellent wife of Dr. George Cabell, has al- 
ready been mentioned. Alice, the second daughter, 
was a very superior woman, her mind being of a 
fine order, and in the highest degree cultivated ; and 
it is related that the late Joseph C. Cabell, on his 
return from a European tour, where he had access 
to the most brilliant and enlightened circles of the 
old country, was heard to say that he in Europe 
had seen few ladies equal to Alice Winston, and 
none superior. 

On becoming the wife of Frederick Cabell, Sr., 
and leaving the paternal roof, this lady entered on 
a life entirely new to her, in a county at that time 
thinly settled, and the inhabitants primitive in their 
habits ; yet she found herself perfectly at home 
amid those simple scenes, carrying on with zeal and 
energy the manufacture of domestic fabrics, con- 
tinuing to improve her mind, and in after years 
assisting in the education of her children, from 
whom she was taken suddenly in 1814, whilst the 
greater part of them were in infancy. 

The members of the Winston family are all dis- 



222 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

tinguished for that calm self-possession and dignified 
composure, which would cause any one of them to be 
at perfect ease in the presence even of a crowned 
monarch. One of the younger daughters married 
Mr. Moseley, of Bedford, and this excellent woman 
resided for many years in the vicinity of Liberty, 
where she led a most useful, happy life, and where 
many of her descendants still live, cherishing the 
memory of her virtues as a sacred legacy. Mary, 
the youngest daughter, married Colonel John Johns, 
of Buckingham, and dying five years since, she was 
interred at Chesnut Hill, their former residence. 
George Winston, the oldest son, married a daugh- 
ter of Patrick Henry. Emigrating some years 
since to Alabama, his descendants reside in that 
State, one of his sons being at present Governor of 
Alabama. Of this large family, Edmund Win- 
ston, Esq., of Amherst, alone survives. Well 
known and beloved throughout a large circle of 
friends, who have partaken of his noble hospitality, 
this excellent man is now calmly passing the eve- 
ning of his days, patiently waiting the time when 
his broken household shall be happily re-united in 
a heavenly home. More than half a century since, 
Mr. Winston married Caroline, the daughter of 
Colonel John Wiatt, and who still survives ; and 
this venerable couple have lived to witness many 
changes. 
Numberless anecdotes are related of Judge Win- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 223 

ston, all tending to show that liigh-minded, chival- 
rous disposition which so adorned the Cavalier gen- 
tlemen of the Old Dominion. During the violence 
of the French Revolution, a family of French refu- 
gees accidentally made Chesnut Hill their tempo- 
rary home. They were perfect strangers to Judge 
Winston, and the hospitality tendered to them was 
such as a Christian would, in its broadest sense, ex- 
ercise, without any interested motives whatever. 
They proved to be persons of great elegance and 
refinement, and Madame Laporte and her daughters 
enlivened much the social circle of Chesnut Hill ; 
and though so recently from a scene of blood and 
carnage, yet, with all the buoyancy and versatility 
of the French nation, they related anecdotes of the 
Tuilleries, Versailles, and many incidents connected 
with the gifted, but ill-fated Madame Roland, and 
the lovely, unfortunate Marie Antoinette. After a 
short time. Judge Winston established these ladies 
on a plantation owned by himself, in the neighbor- 
hood of New London, and from that place they 
often visited Chesnut Hill, exhibiting all those cour- 
tesies in which the French nation so excel all 
others. On the death of an aged relative of the 
Winston family, Madame Laporte and her daugh- 
ters came down on a formal visit of condolence, and 
very soon after, a large chest was by them packed 
with brocades, French fans, slippers, laces, silks, 
&c., and sent to the Misses Winston. The contents, 



224 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

being viewed with great delight by the young 
ladies, a distribution was about being made, when 
their father, entering the room, caused a stop to be 
put to these proceedings, by having the chest nailed 
up again and returned, with many polite messages 
to the French ladies, deeming that it was not right to 
accept such favors in the position which he occupied 
to them. A part of Madame Laporte's fortune hav- 
ing been rescued and remitted to her, these ladies, 
leaving the upper country, selected for themselves 
a home in the neighborhood of Petersburg. Yic- 
toire, the oldest daughter, married a Virginian by 
the name of Campbell, and settled in the town of 
Petersburg. Many years after this time. Judge 
Winston was attending one of his courts in that 
town. He had gone thither in his, carriage, and 
whilst there, one of his horses having died, the 
Judge was much troubled about returning home, for 
in those days there were no public conveyances. 
Delighted to have an opportunity of repaying her 
many obligations to Judge Winston, Mrs. Campbell 
had insisted on his making her house his home 
during his stay in Petersburg, and the death of his 
carriage horse was, to this lively French woman, a 
positive pleasure, as it aiforded her the great grati- 
fication of lending him one of her carriage horses, 
and sending with him a servant man to bring the 
horse home. By a singular coincidence, the oldest 
son of Mrs. Campbell, many years after this time, 



OF LYNCHBURa. 225 

accidentally met with Mary Moseley, a granddaugh- 
ter of Judge Winston, and being mutually pleased, 
the acquaintance led to a marriage between them. 
Mr. Campbell was a well known and esteemed min- 
ister of the Presbyterian Church. They resided 
for some years in Bedford county, but removing to 
the West, both himself and his lovely wife there 
died, leaving several orphan children. An inci- 
dent, touching from its simplicity, will be recorded 
of these sisters of the Winston family. Like the 
five sisters of York,* these four daughters of Judge 
Winston together wrought with diligent hands a 
large piece of embroidery, each one laying off her 
appointed portion, and anticipating the time when 
the survivors would tenderly and mournfully gaze 
on the record which would recall so much of joy 
and sorrow. It was kept in the family, and often 
brought forth by these sisters, when they met, till 
the last remaining sister would contemplate it, and 
by her this piece of embroidery was a map or chart 
of memory, every bud and flower bringing before 
her the past, and vividly recalling the times of hope 
and youth, when these four sisters encircled the 
family hearth, gladdening with innocent mirth their 
happy home. 



* Incident of the five sisters of York, related in Nicliolas 
Nickleby. 



226 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Colonel John Wiatt, for many years a valued 
and beloved citizen of Lynchburg, was a native of 
the lower country. He was a most gallant gentle- 
man, combining all the courtesy of the old Cavalier 
of Virginia, with feelings the most ardent, generous 
and affectionate. When a young man he married 
Wilhelmina Jordan, a sister of Mrs. William Cabell, 
of Union Hill, and Mrs. John Cabell, of Bucking- 
ham. Colonel Wiatt served with bravery in the 
Revolutionary war, and was present at the battle 
of Guilford Court-house ; but shortly after the ter- 
mination of the war, he came to reside on his plan- 
tation in the county of Amherst, and a few years 
later he removed to Lynchburg, where, to the day 
of his death, he continued a useful and revered 
resident. 

Mrs. MiNA Wiatt was a lady of great beauty 
and vivacity, possessing a fund of wit, refined by 
good humor, and such an acquaintance with human 
nature as enabled her in a short time, with ready 
tact, to form a just estimate of all with whom she 
came in contact. She was, in old age, very lovely 
and graceful, and her appearance as a young bride 
was thus described by a lady* who met her at her 



* Mrs. Anne Cabell, at that time Miss Carrington, and after- 
"wards Mrs. "\Vm. Cabell, of Union Hill. 



OF LYNCHBUKG. 227 

bridal party at Union Hill : " Mrs. Wiatt was a 
blooming, beautiful woman, with brilliant black 
eyes and a profusion of dark hair. She was hab- 
ited in pink brocade trimmed with silver, with a 
double skirt of the same ; her hair was dressed with 
pink and silver, and done up in cushions; and her 
sparkling jewelry set off her elegant appearance, 
when slowly going through the dignified, graceful 
movements of the minuet." 

Colonel Wiatt and his excellent wife, doubtless, in 
a great measure led and directed the taste of the 
infant town of Lynchburg, of which they were the 
earliest settlers. Of cultivated minds and of great 
skill in horticulture and gardening, and perfect 
adepts in every sort of domestic manufacture. Col. 
and Mrs. Wiatt, by their wise and prudent counsels, 
greatly assisted housekeepers younger than them- 
selves. 

They had been reared under the usages and ob- 
servances of the Church of England ; but after the 
Revolutionary war, that denomination becoming 
nearly extinct, they worshiped with great liberality 
in other churches, and from the establishment of the 
first Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, they regu- 
larly attended there and communed. Col. Wiatt 
being deaf, was accommodated with an elevated 
seat, nearly on a line with the pulpit ; and those 
accustomed in their childhood to see there his vene- 



228 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

rable form, in wrapt attention, feel, on entering that 
old church, something wanting, when they gaze on 
the vacant spot where sat Colonel John Wiatt. 

This excellent couple lived to great age, Mrs. 
Wiatt surviving for some years her husband, who 
died in 1827. Of this large family alone survive 
Mrs. Caroline Winston, of Amherst, and Colonel 
Samuel Wiatt, both of whom are well known and 
appreciated in our community. Captain Wiatt is a 
worthy, high-minded gentleman, possessing a warm, 
affectionate heart, joined to wit of a high order, 
which, together with a fine memory and habits of 
great observation, render his experience of life 
truly amusing and interesting, and such as would 
make him an invaluable aid to Dickens and Thack- 
eray. 

Captain Wiatt was first married to Mary, a 
daughter of Benjamin Brown, Esq., of Amherst. 
She was a lady of great personal beauty, and her 
mind equally lovely. She died in the summer of 
1825, at the residence of Edmund Winston, Esq., 
of Amherst. A few years later. Captain Wiatt was 
united to Miss S. Brown, of Lynchburg, a daughter 
of our good citizen, Matthew Brown, Esq. This 
lady, for moral worth and mental superiority, was 
unrivalled in her native town. Studious and diligent 
from early childhood, to her husband's house she 
carried these dispositions, which, together with her 



OF LYNCHBURG. 229 

energy and industry, made her a rare combination 
of all that was excellent in woman. She died in 
1842, and her death scene will never be forfyotten 
by her friends, whose faith was thereby strength- 
ened in the power of religion to make bright the 
dark valley of the shadow of Death, 



19 



230 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THE NORVELL FAMILY. 

" The world is filled with the voices of the dead. 
Sweet and solemn voices are they, speaking with un- 
earthly authority ; coming hack to us in the messages of 

angels." 

Influence. 

Captain William Norvell, Sr. resided for many 
years in the large mansion-house, at present occu- 
pied by John M. Otey, Esq. Previously to the 
time of his coming to Lynchburg, Captain Norvell 
resided in the county of Amherst, where he mar- 
ried Anne, the second daughter of Colonel John 
Wiatt. Captain Norvell was an excellent, high- 
minded gentleman, possessing great energy and 
industry. Accumulating a large fortune, and ably 
for many years filling the ofiSce of President of the 
Bank of Virginia, he died long before attaining old 
age, leaving a numerous young family, the care of 
whom devolved on his widow, Mrs. Anne Nor- 
vell. This lady was a very lovely and remarka- 
ble woman, inheriting much of the grace and per- 
sonal beauty of her mother, Mrs. Mina Wiatt, 
together with that elasticity of disposition and 



OF LYNCHBURG. 231 

buoyancy of character, which contributed towards 
forming one of the finest characters with which 
Lynchburg has ever been adorned. 

Remarkably cheerful and even gay in early life, 
as soon as Mrs. Norvell became religious, she gave 
up all worldly pleasures ; joyful in the Lord, she 
ever found His service a pleasant one, and into her 
religion were infused the buoyancy and hopefulness 
of her disposition, causing her in her daily walk to 
show forth the beauty of holiness, thereby proving 
to the worldling, that 

** Religion never was designed, 
To make our pleasures less." 

Thus did Mrs. Norvell live, in all the ordinances 
of the Lord blameless, perfecting holiness in the 
fear of God. An active member of the Dorcas So- 
ciety, a zealous member of the Methodist Church, 
dispensing aid to the suffering and relief to the 
sick, encouraging and stimulating her minister by 
her active performance of duties, and wisely govern- 
ing and guiding her own household, so that when 
"at midnight the cry was heard that the Bride- 
groom Cometh," she arose like the wise virgins, and 
went forth to meet him. 

" Rise, saith the Master, come unto the feast ; 
She heard the call and came with ■willing feet; 
But thinking it not otherwise than meet 
For such a bidding to put on her best, 



232 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

She is gone, as for a few short hours, 

Into her bridal closet, there to await 

For the unfolding of the palace gate, 

That gives her entrance to the blissful bowers. 

We have not seen her yet, though we have been 

Full often to her chamber door, and oft 

Have listened underneath the porter's gate, 

And laid fresh flowers, and whispered short and soft ; 

But she hath made no answer, and the day 

From the clear West is fading fast away." 

Alfokd. 

Many of the members of this interesting family 
survive. Captain William Norvell, of Lynchburg, 
Mrs. John M. Otey, and Mrs. John Warwick, also, 
of that place, and well known and esteemed in this 
section of country : Mrs. Daniel Warwick, of Bal- 
timore, Mrs. Maria Waller, and Fayette Norvell, 
Esq., of Shelbyville, Ky., and Samuel G. Norvell, 
Esq., of Cincinnati. The first distinct recollection 
of this family commences only a few weeks previous 
to the death of Mrs. Emeline Trent, second daugh- 
ter of Captain William Norvell. This lovely lady 
was, whilst very young, married to Dr. Trent, of 
Cumberland, and in less than two years she was 
the bride, the widow, the childless mother and the 
lifeless corpse. Her happiness thus in the very 
day-spring of life crushed and withered by accu- 
mulated sorrows, she yet, with all the fortitude of 
a strong mind and a gentle heart, endeavored to 
rally and cast aside somewhat the heavy weight of 



OF LYNCHBURG. 233 

woe "which had so overshadowed her youth. After 
preparing for a visit to the relatives of her husband 
in Cumberland, she came to make a parting visit at 
the house now occupied by Henry Dunnington, Esq. 
With what warm, childish admiration was her fair 
face gazed on, her golden hair so beautifully con- 
trasted with her deep mourning habit. As she sat 
by the window, the sunbeams danced around her, 
playing in her bright tresses, thus throwing around 
her a halo, and giving to her face that angelic ex- 
pression it was so soon destined to wear in Heaven. 
In a brief time after her departure were the 
tidings of her death received, and the day on which 
her lovely remains were brought to Lynchburg will 
ever, by her family and friends, be remembered with 
tender and mournful interest ; for a two-fold sorrow 
might now be said to attend the house of Captain 
William Norvell. Several years previous, Martha 
Ann, the eldest daughter, had married Chiswell 
Dabney, Esq., and ere two years had elapsed of 
her happy married life, the young wife was sud- 
denly called hence, just as she had for a few weeks 
only rejoiced in the sweet dream of her mother- 
hood. Tenderly had she been laid to rest in the 
garden of her parents, where her grave served con- 
stantly to remind them of their irreparable loss. 
But on the death of Mrs. Trent, Mrs. Martha Dab- 
ney was disinterred, and these two lovely sisters 
were together borne a few miles from the town to 



234 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the plantation of Captain William Norvell, which, 
from that period, became the burial place of the 
Norvell family. 

We cannot close without a brief tribute to the 
memory of John E. Norvell, second son of Cap- 
tain William Norvell. He was born in the town of 
Lynchburg, and principally educated in that place, 
where he was greatly beloved. Elegant in person 
and manners, and gifted with feelings the most 
amiable and honorable, John E. Norvell will ever 
be remembered with affection and admiration by 
those with whom he was associated in his native 
place. Possessing exquisite talents for music, from 
this art he derived no selfish gratification, frequently 
making a sacrifice of his own ease and convenience 
in order to administer to the pleasure and cheerful- 
ness of others. A D'Orsay in polished elegance, 
without the heartlessness of fashion; and in the 
perfect taste of his attire — a Brummel, devoid of 
the cringing servility of that "master of the Prince 
Regent," John Norvell will ever live in the remem- 
brance of his friends, and will be cherished as a 
bright, sunny spot in the memory of bygone days ! 



OF LYNCHBURG. 235 



THE WARWICK FAMILY. 

MAJOR WILLIAM WARWICK. 

Major William Warwick, for many years the 
revered and excellent visitor of our town, was a 
native of the county of Buckingham,* where was 
passed his boyhood. Settling whilst a young man 
in the county of Amherst, and occupying the sta- 
tion of a prominent bank officer. Major Warwick 
may be justly claimed by our town as a citizen, par- 
ticularly as through life he was a constant wor- 
shiper in the churches of Lynchburg. Major 
Warwick was a gentleman of the most honorable 
feelings. His integrity and uprightness were so 
conspicuous, and so unswerving was he in the pro- 
secution of what he deemed the right, that many 
were heard to say that these qualities invested him 
with a moral sublimity. 

* Bucldngliam or Nelson, the writer is not certainly informed. 



236 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Major "Warwick was thrice married, and the chil- 
dren of all these marriages are good and prosper- 
ous. May not this be traced, in a great measure, to 
the immediate hand of Providence, who has pro- 
mised that the children of the righteous are blessed 
to the third and fourth generation. The family of 
Warwick are all long-lived, the venerable mother of 
Major Warwick attaining the age of 102, and dying 
in the county of Nelson a few years since. The 
traits of filial piety have, in this family, been con- 
spicuous from generation to generation, and we now 
witness a fulfillment of the promise to those who 
honor parents, " that it may be well with thee, and 
and that thou mayest live long in the earth." This 
excellent man died some years since, at an ad- 
vanced age, leaving to his descendants a sacred 
legacy in a name untarnished, and connected only 
with " such things as are pure, lovely, and of good 
report." 

Of the members of this large family are John 
M. Warwick, Esq., a prominent citizen of Lynch- 
burg, Messrs. Corbin and Abram Warwick, of 
Richmond, Daniel Warwick, of Baltimore, and 
Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Thomas Leftwich, of Bed- 
ford county. 

The remains of the first wife of Major William 
Warwick repose in the yard attached to the resi- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 237 

dence of H. Dunningtoiij Esq., which, at the time 
of her decease was the only burying ground* in the 
newly formed town of Lynchburg. An aspen tree 
stands at the foot, placed there by the hand of 
her affectionate daughter, Mrs. Stuart. A very 
large spreading tree formerly cast its shade over 
this quiet resting-place, but in the year 1820 it was 
torn up by the roots during a violent storm, leaving 
alone the quivering aspen tree, with its beautiful 
alternations of white and green, reminding us of 
the living green of the courts above, surrounded by 
shadowy forms robed in spotless white ! 

Captain James Warwick, a brother of Major 
Warwick, was for a number of years a respected 
resident of Lynchburg. His residence was exactly 
opposite to that of Colonel John Wiatt ; and with 
this excellent man did he " oft take sweet counsel, 
walking together to the house of God." Captain 
Warwick was a devout member of the first Presby- 

* Oa this spot was the first Church of Lynchburg, to which 
this cemetery was attached. Many of the bodies were moved 
to the Methodist burying ground, but others were left, and the 
spot where they reposed identified by their friends. A bar- 
racks was at one time held in the part of the house nearest the 
Court-house. This place was at one time the residence of the 
Rev. Mr. Tompkins and his family. They were the earliest set- 
tlers, and Mrs. Tompkins lived to great age, dying only a few 
years since. 



238 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

terian Church of Lynchburg, and conspicuous for 
the ardor of his attachment to his beloved pastor, 
adhering closely to him in the division of the church, 
regardless of the changes of those around him. 
This excellent man died some years since in the 
town of Lynchburg. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 239 



HOBERT MORRISS. 

** Is any sick? the man of Koss relieves, 

Prescribes, attends, and medicine makes and gives." 

Pope's Man of Ross. 

Thirty-eight years since, the large dwelling oppo- 
site the residence of Dr. Robert Early was owned 
by Robert Morriss, Esq. At that time Mr. 
Morriss was a man of wealth ; his home was the 
abode of the most genuine hospitality, and the re- 
fuge of many whom poverty and death had made 
desolate. A sudden reverse depriving him of his 
fortune, himself and his excellent wife there es- 
tablished a house for receiving boarders. But 
not with the prosperity of Mr. Morriss de- 
parted that kind spirit which had succored so many 
in their hour of adversity. The success of this 
good couple in hotel keeping was very great ; the 
" bread they had so freely cast on the waters," was 
now returned^ and they were still enabled to pursue 
charities the most enlarged. 

Was the mother of a helpless family called sud- 
denly hence from her young children ? Then would 



240 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Mr. and Mrs. Morriss take charge of the little ones 
till a permanent asylum could be provided for them. 
Did want or sickness invade the dwellings of those 
surrounding them, then who so prompt to render 
assistance as this worthy couple, the counterpart of 
Pope's Man of Ross, save that Mr. Morriss was 
blest with a good wife, in which he had the advan- 
tage of the Man of Ross. 

" Thrice bappy man, enabled to pursue 

What all so wish, but want the power to do ; 
Oh ! say what sums that generous hand supply, 
"What mines to swell the generous charity. 

Of debts and taxes, wife and children clear, 

This man possessed five hundred pounds a year; 

Blush, grandeur, blush; proud stars, withdraw your blaze — 

Ye little stars, hide your diminished raj's ! " 

Pope's Man or Ross. 

For a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Morriss 
continued to supply the temporal wants of many. 
They educated a number of nieces and nephews, 
rearing them as their own children, and placing 
them in independent situations. In the year 1824, 
Mr. Morriss took possession of the Washington 
House, which he kept with great success for several 
years ; then he moved to the Franklin Hotel, of 
which he was the worthy and beloved proprietor for 
a length of time, dispensing to all around him his 
unbounded kindness, having in his establishment 



OP LYNCHBURG. 241 

boarders -whom lie had kept for a number of years 
without compensation. This excellent couple sur- 
vive, residing in Lynchburg. Long may they en- 
joy health and happiness, experiencing in full the 
promise made to the charitable : " Blessed is he 
that considereth the poor: Thou shalt make his bed 
in sickness." 



21 



242 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



THOMAS WIATT, Sr. 

^^ In the heraldry of Heaven; goodness precedes great- 

Bishop Horne. 



ness.'' 



Thomas Wiatt was a gentleman of great worth 
and excellence, and a younger brother of Colonel 
John Wiatt. They were descended from an Eng- 
lish family of that name, conspicuous in the days 
when our State was a colony. In the year 1827, 
Mr. Wiatt resided in the house owned and occupied 
by Dr. Robert Early. When a young man, Tho- 
mas Wiatt was united in marriage to Sarah Miller, 
a daughter of one of Lynchburg's earliest and most 
estimable settlers. A few years since, the ancient 
dwelling of Mr. Miller remained a short distance 
above the place where now stands Mr. Jesse Hare's 
stately building. It was a long, lone dwelling, with 
shelving porches, but its place is now doubtless sup- 
plied by some more modern structure. 

Mrs. Wiatt was very congenial to her husband, 



OF LYNCHBURG. 243 

in the possession of a disposition most cheerful and 
buoyant, together with a lively wit, tempered with 
great sweetness of ternper and good humor. Pass- 
ing through various alternations and reverses, they 
yet preserved, unharmed, these happy dispositions. 
Active and useful members of the Methodist Church, 
they proved by their walk and profession of reli- 
gion, that 

*' Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 
And all her paths are peace !" 

This good man died in the summer of 1828, leav- 
ing a large family, several of whom survive. His 
worthy and venerable wife still continues on earth 
her pilgrimage, having for many years survived her 
three daughters. 

Mary Wiatt became the wife of D. Hoffman, 
Esq., and carried into her married life all those 
gentle, lovely traits of character which so caused 
her to shine as friend, sister and daughter. Greatly 
beloved in Lynchburg, her memory is deeply en- 
shrined in the hearts of friends, who cherish the 
remembrance of her goodness with a desire that 
they too may, like her, merit the commendation 
bestowed by our Saviour on Mary of old: "She 
hath done what she could." 

Martha, the youngest daughter, was the bright- 
est girl in Lynchburg — and her sweet smile and 



244 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

joyous countenance are vividly remembered along 
with her many virtues, though she has long since 
laid in the silent tomb. She married William 
Massie, Esq., of Pharsalia, Nelson county; and, 
surviving her marriage only a few years, she left 
one daughter, who is now Mrs. Ellen Warwick, of 
Nelson county. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 245 



THE DABNEY FAMILY. 

C. DABNEY— MRS N. DABNEY. 

Chiswell Dabney, Esq. is a native of the county 
of Hanover. About the year 1812 he settled in 
the town of Lynchburg, and, soon after commenc- 
ing the practice of the law, he has since that time 
continued to add constantly to his legal reputation, 
and to secure the regard and esteem of the com- 
munity in which he resides. His talents as a 
lawyer, and his ability as an efficient bank officer, 
are too well known to need here any eulogy ; but it 
is a great gratification to associate the name of this 
gentleman with that of Mrs. Nancy Dabney, his 
wife, who was the oldest daughter of Thomas 
Wiatt, Esq. 

This lady was a native of the county of Amherst, 
where were spent her childhood and youth ; yet she 
was educated in Lynchburg, and our town naturally 
feels desirous to claim as one of its own daughters, 
this bright, talented, and excellent lady. She was 
a very superior woman, endowed with a mind of 



246 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the highest order, and gifted with wit most brilliant, 
though ever tempered with gentleness and good 
humor. A strong resemblance in character, man- 
ners and disposition, existed between Mrs. Dabney 
and the family of James Pleasants, of Goochland — 
both possessing those warm-hearted dispositions, that 
happy gift of extracting from passing scenes inte- 
rest and amusement, and of enlivening the fireside 
by those happy sallies of wit and humor ; thus keep- 
ing at bay all the minor, worrying cares of life, 
which so often corrode and canker the heart, even 
more than those heavy afflictions in which the 
hand of Providence is immediately recognized. 
Many early recollections of Mrs. Dabney now fill 
the heart, blended with days of childhood, when 
she with other loved forms surrounded the cheerful 
family hearth ; and words then spoken are still fondly 
cherished, and often called to mind, though the 
voices which uttered them have long been silent in 
the grave. This excellent lady died in the summer 
of 1834, leaving five daughters, at that time a lovely 
unbroken household. About sixteen years since, 
two of these daughters were called hence to join 
their mother in Heaven, a week only intervening 
between the departure of these beautiful girls. 
Three of these sisters survive : Mrs. John S. Lang- 
horne, of Amherst ; Mrs. Lucy Otey, of Campbell ; 
and Mrs. Dr. Walker, of Lynchburg. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 247 



CAPTAIN THOMAS A. HOLCOMBE. 

^' Mark the perfect man^ and behold the upright, for 
the end of that man is peace." 

Captain Thomas A. Holcombe, for many years 
a useful and beloved citizen of Lynchburg, was 
a native of Prince Edward county, and a son of the 
venerable Philemon Holcombe. He was born on 
the 18th of August, 1785, and was educated at 
Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated ; 
and, soon after studying for the bar, he made such 
rapid progress, that, in a brief time, he obtained a 
license and removed to the State of Georgia, with 
the intention of there pursuing his profession. But, 
very soon after his settlement in that State, his 
plans were entirely frustrated by a violent spell of 
fever, which was near costing him his life. Obey- 
ing then the urgent entreaties of his parents, he 
returned to his native State, where he for several 
years had charge of a classical school, after which 
he returned to the profession of law, which avoca- 
tion he pursued until he became a Christian and 



248 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

joined the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a 
ruling elder. His having conscientious scruples in 
continuing the practice of the law, was the occasion 
of his resigning that profession ; and he then be- 
came Marshal of the Chancery Court; but after 
that system was abolished, he became a merchant, 
in which occupation he continued till his death. 

His temperament being most ardent, and his 
mind active and energetic. Captain Holcombe car- 
ried with him through life these distinguishing traits, 
infusing them into all of his undertakings. In his 
youth, he had been united in marriage to Mary 
E-oyall, a lady of great excellence, and in every 
way worthy to have been the wife of such a man. 
It is said that, when a young man. Captain Hol- 
combe was remarkably gay in his disposition, fond 
of pleasure, and enthusiastic in the enjoyment of 
music and dancing ; but the one penning these 
lines, has no other recollection of him than as an 
ardent, devout member of the Presbyterian Church 
of Lynchburg, where he greatly aided his minister 
by the interest he manifested in public worship, and 
by the zealous assistance he rendered in the Sab- 
bath School, which, both in this Church* and in 
the old Methodist denomination has been so much 
blessed. 

* In the division of the Presbyterian Church, Captain Hol- 
combe joined the new side, of which the Rev. Mr. Russell was 
first pastor, and the Rev. Mr. Mitchell the second. 



OF LYNCHBUEG. 249 

The dwelling of Captain Holcombe was the abode 
of the most genuine old Virginia hospitality ; nor 
did he at one time think it wrong to press on his 
guests the cheerful invigorating glass of wine. But 
his attention being drawn to the subject of tempe- 
rance, he was led to see that there was no safety 
in a middle course ; and that precept and exam- 
ple would better operate, if the system of total 
abstinence was practised by himself; accordingly, 
he, in his household, abandoned the use both of 
wine and spirituous liquors, warmly urging his 
friends and the community to do the same. At 
that time there were no Temperance Societies* in 
Virginia — an attempt though having been made 
to institute such a society by the venerable Micajah 
Pendleton, of Amherst county — so that Captain 
Holcombe may properly be denominated the Father 
of Temperance in our State. He formed a tempe- 
rance society in Lynchburg — he made public 
speeches, distributed tracts, and he traveled thou- 
sands of miles preaching the wholesome doctrines 
of Temperance. Zealous, also, in the prosecution 
of his secular employments, prompt in thought, 
liberal in his household, and ever holding in view 
the service and glory of God, Captain Holcombe 
passed through a most useful life, blessed by hun- 



* Such is the impression. 



250 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

dreds whom his influence had rescued from the 
grasp of the demon of intemperance. 

In the month of October, 1843, Captain Hol- 
combe left his happy home for a brief period — 
business requiring his presence in Montgomery 
county. As soon as he had arranged everything 
to his satisfaction, he returned to Lynchburg, -where 
he arrived on the evening of Tuesday, the 31st of 
October, 1843. On his return home, he met his 
devoted family with even more than usual tender- 
ness. His health seemed perfect, his spirits were 
buoyant and cheerful ; but in one short hour from 
the time of entering his own house, his sainted 
spirit winged its way to realms of bliss,* to enjoy, 

* Extract from a letter received from a gentleman of Lynch- 
burg a few days after this mournful event : 
'* Such a sensation I have never known produced by any death, 
as by that of Captain Holcorabe. He had been absent in the 
Western section of the State a short time, and returned in the 
stage Tuesday evening, a few houx's before his death, in fine 
health and spirits. I believe that the true cause of his death is 
unknown; but it is conjectured that the immediate cause was 
the rupture of a blood vessel. The shock was so sudden and 
unexpected, that, although no lesson has been oftener or more 
solemnly taught, that the thread which suspends the sword over- 
head, may be cut at any moment, scarcely any one at first 
could believe it was so. The Societies paid extraordinary marks 
of respect and grief at his funeral and burial, which were also 
attended by a great number of citizens, and for several hours, 
during the passing of the funeral and procession, all the stores 
on Main street were closed. All this must have been gratify- 



OP LYNCHBURG. 251 

througli all eternity, the presence of that Saviour 
he had so faithfully served whilst a pilgrim and 
sojourner of earth. A splendid monument stands 
over his remains in the Presbyterian graveyard, but 
his memory is deeply enshrined in the hearts of 
devoted friends ; and, to those who knew and loved 
him, a simple stone, with the name of " Thomas A. 
Holcombe," would speak of the past more tenderly 
than the most costly marble structure. 

It may truly be said of this excellent man, that 
" He delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, 
and him that had none to help him. The blessings 
of him that was ready to perish came upon him, 
and he caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." 
Many interesting incidents might be recorded of 
his numerous charities, but the recollection of 
them is yet fresh in Lynchburg ; and only one little 
incident will here be mentioned, touching for its 
pathos and simplicity. Every Saturday evening it 
was the custom of Captain Holcombe to have some 
little boys come to his office to receive their weekly 
supply of provisions. The father of those boys 



ing to the relatives of the deceased, and was, I think, very 
creditable to the people, and raised them considerably in my 
estimation. It proves that they can justly appreciate the worth 
aad feel the loss of a man who had, with the greatest enthusi- 
asm and activity, devoted a large portion of his life wholly to 
benevolent and charitable objects." 



252 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

was given to inebriation, and Captain Holcombe 
would always caution them not to allow their father 
to pawn any part of the provision given for liquor ; 
but he would add, " Tell your mother, when your 
father comes home drunk, to take care of him, and 
when he sobers off, give him some bread and meat 
to eat and some strong coffee to drink ; and tell 
him, that a gentleman who desires to save him from 
a drunkard's grave, has provided these comforts for 
him." 

The day after the death of Captain Holcombe, 
a gentleman was standing in the front door of the 
residence of the deceased, when he noticed three or 
four little boys approaching. They came up to the 
gate and inquired, "Is Captain Holcombe dead?" 
The gentleman answered in the affirmative ; and 
they then asked, " Could we be permitted to go in 
and look at him ?" He gave them permission, and 
they, with noiseless steps, entered the chamber of 
death. They stood around his lifeless body, and, 
as they gazed on that marble forehead, one of them, 
with a swelling heart and tearful eye, exclaimed — 
" Who will now give us bread !" 

Of the members of this family, survive Mrs. 
Holcombe, the beloved wife of Captain Thomas A. 
Holcombe ; Mrs. . Walter Henderson, of Lynch- 
burg, and William and Royall Holcombe, Esqs., 
of the same place. Of those gone before are 



OF LYNCHBURG. 253 

Thomas Philemon Holcombe, the oldest son of the 
deceased, who died many years since — the sweet 
remembrance of whose manly, loving heart and 
many virtues is warmly cherished by his numerous 
friends in his native town — and Lucy Anne, the 
youngest daughter, the lovely wife of Dr. Scott, 
who died a few years since, having been suddenly 
called hence from her husband and young children, 
to join her father and brother in Heaven. 



22 



254 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



ROYALL FAMILY. 

William Royall, Sr., was one of the oldest set- 
tlers of Lynchburg after its formation. He married 
Miss Royall, a first cousin, and a sister of Mrs. 
Thomas A. Holcombe ; and this excellent couple 
for some years resided in the house now occupied 
by Charles L. Mosby, Esq. In easy, prosperous 
circumstances, and blessed with a numerous family, 
few advanced to the summit of life under such fa- 
vorable auspices, as Mr. and Mrs. Royall. This 
domestic happiness was invaded about the year 
1818 or '19, by the death of Mr. Royall; and like 
a far distant, indistinct dream, is faintly remem- 
bered the mournful procession of Masons bear- 
ing the deceased to his last resting-place, which was 
situated in the grounds attached to his dwelling 
house. Since that period many of that family have 
been removed, till, of all that circle, none survive, 
save the excellent wife of William Royall, Sr., one 
son, and a daughter, Mrs. Charles L. Mosby, of 
Lynchburg. 

Around William Royall, jr., third son of Mrs. 



OE LYNCHBURG. 255 

Judith Royall, linger the most pleasing and grate- 
ful memories of long ago, blended with happy- 
scenes of childhood, when with those, too, who have 
since passed away, we received instruction from the 
same good man, Mr. Richardson,* and when on a 
summer's eve, with careless glee, we traversed Ivy 
Hill or roamed to Richardson's springs. William 
Royall spent his boyhood in Lynchburg, and was 
then sent to Amherst College. With a heart 
most warm and affectionate, and a soul formed for 
friendship most lasting, William Royall possessed a 
fine mind, well cultivated — a taste for reading and 
study rarely met with. About eighteen years since, 
emigrating to the South-west, he died suddenly, far 
from home and friends, who, though years have 
elapsed, still speak of him with emotion, deeply re- 
gretting his untimely departure : 

" One midst the forests of the West 
By a dark stream is laid ; 
The Indian knows his place of rest, 
Fast by the forest shade." 

Rev. John Royall was the eldest son of William 
Royall, Sr. ; he was a native of Lynchburg, where 
he too passed his boyhood under the influence of a 



* This excellent man and first-rate teacher was a brother of 
Mr. James Benagh, of Lynchburg. He died of consumption in 
1823. 



256 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

pious mother. Sent at an early age to Hampden 
Sydney College, he made sure and rapid progress 
in his studies, laying at this time the foundation of 
what he was in after years — the faithful, laborious, 
self-sacrificing minister of the gospel. 

Soon after entering college, a great revival of 
religion taking place, Mr. Royall became deeply 
impressed on the subject, and for a time even his 
efforts to study were frustrated by the intense and 
overwhelming desire to find out the way of salva- 
tion. Soon after, making a public profession of 
religion, he united himself to the Presbyterian 
Church, devoting himself to the ministry, and by 
his walk and conversation adorning the Christian 
profession, and so showing forth in his life the 
beauty of holiness, that all who saw him could 
" take knowledge of him that he had been with 
Jesus." 

Mr. Royall was, when very young, united in mar- 
riage to Anna Keith Taylor, daughter of the dis- 
tinguished lawyer, George Keith Taylor, and a 
niece of Chief Justice Marshall : and for the last 
few years of his life, Mr. Royall resided in the 
county of Fauquier, where he occupied a post of 
usefulness, preaching acceptably to a large congre- 
gation, who were greatly attached to him. 

In the month of February, 1856, notwithstand- 
ing the inclement weather, Mr. Royall had set out 
to fulfill a ministerial engagement ; but on the way 



OF LYNCHBURG. 257 

to church he "was stricken down, and entered his 
eternal rest on the Sabbath. Did we compute age 
by the number of years Mr. Royall had lived, we 
should say that he had died young, for he could not 
have attained his fiftieth year ; but when we con- 
sider his life of active usefulness, his constant 
efforts to advance the Redeemer's kingdom ; when 
we reflect upon the many whom, by his pious exam- 
ple, he induced to become disciples of Christ ; bear- 
ing in mind, too, the constant comfort he diffused, 
not only in his own family, but in that of his wid- 
owed mother, we should say that in amount of good 
works Mr. Royall had passed a long life, and had 
doubtless finished his allotted task, departing at 
the time and in the manner appointed for him by 
the Wise Disposer of Events. 

" Blessed is that servant whom the Lord, when he 
cometh, shall find watching." 

"Be ye therefore ready also, for the son of man 
cometh at an hour when ye think not/' 



258 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS. 



MR. AND MRS. BARNES, 

FROM BUFFALO, NEW YORK. 

THEIR CRUELTY TO ANN HINDERSHOT, THEIR WHITE 
SERVANT — SINGULAR TERMINATION OF THE AFFAIR. 

During the year of 1828, a man by the name of 
Barnes settled, with his family, in the town of 
Lynchburg, taking possession of the white house 
whose gable end fronts Main street, and divided 
from the residence of Captain Pleasants Labby by a 
cross street. They were from the State of New York, 
and Mr. Barnes was a portly, good-looking man, 
with a grave, dignified exterior, and when he basked 
in the sunshine before his shop door, with folded 
arms, his appearance suggested the idea of a domes- 
ticated Alexander Selkirk, or a modern Diogenes, 
particularly when resting on a large nest of tubs 
on the sidewalk. Like all model artistes, Mr. 
Barnes had evidently studied attitudes, for all of his 
tableaux were imposing. For instance, his favorite 
one was to place himself by his door, surrounded 
by a group of his beautiful children, thereby pro- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 259 

ducing on passers-by the impression that he was a 
gentleman of admirable domestic traits. 

Mrs. Barnes was a fashionable looking lady, 
speaking contemptuously of the slow ways of doing 
things in Virginia, and when the family appeared 
on Sunday going to church, their appearance excited 
the admiration of the primitive Lynchburgers, draw- 
ing from them the remark, "what a fine-looking 
family, and how they do walk amongst us with such 
a city air !" 

Mrs. Barnes had often been heard to express dis- 
gust at the idea of a colored servant. " She would 
not have one of the ugly creatures with their slo- 
venly ways. She was well provided with a help, 
who coald do more in one day than a negro would 
perform in a week." She had brought with her 
from New York an indentured white servant, whose 
name was Ann Hindershot, and the neighbors had 
noticed and commended the diligence of the girl, 
observing, however, that the child wore a timid ex- 
pression of countenance, as if she thought some one 
was coming up behind to strike her. The next 
neighbor, Mrs. Labby, had for several days missed 
Anne from her accustomed duties, but had made no 
comment on the circumstance. On entering her 
parlor one morning and throwing open the window, 
she beheld in the attic of Barnes' house a sight 
from which she recoiled with horror. She saw the 



260 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

pale, emaciated form of Ann Hindershot tied to the 
bed post, her thin hands raised in a supplicating 
attitude, whilst the cruel Mrs. Barnes was inflicting 
on the child heavy blows with a stick, the barbarous 
woman ending the morning's torture by throwing 
over the sufferer a shovel full of hot embers. Ann 
Hindershot was, by famine, so reduced, that she 
could only utter a feeble cry, before falling across 
the foot of the bed in a swoon. Mrs. Labby, going 
immediately for her husband, informed him of what 
she had seen, and that good citizen, with his cus- 
tomary promptitude, lost no time in procuring a 
warrant for the arrest of Barnes and his wife. 
They denied, of course, the allegation of cruelty, 
but were exceedingly unwilling for Ann Hindershot 
to be seen ; but Captain Labby, insisting on the 
execution of the warrant, the officers and himself 
forced their way up stairs, where lay, in a fainting 
fit, the exhausted frame of this unfortunate young 
girl. Capt. Labby dispatched a message for the late 
Christopher Anthony, and procured the attendance 
of several physicians, and whilst remedies were 
being administered to the sufferer, Mr. Anthony de- 
manded of Barnes a history of the case. Barnes 
was evidently a timid man, after the order of Mr. 
Bumble, much afraid of the savage wife, and de- 
cidedly "more of a philosopher than a warrior." 
He stated that the girl had been bound to him by 
her father in Buffalo, New York, and the exhibition 



OF LYNCHBURG. 261 

of the indentures fully confirmed the truth of the 
statement. Barnes and his wife were held to bail,* 
and after the child had recovered from the deep 
swoon, and her many wounds had been dressed, she 
was placed in a carriage and conveyed to the residence 
of Mr. Jones, exactly opposite the dwelling of Major 
James B. Risque. Receiving every kindness from 
the citizens of Lynchburg, she was visited by more 
than a thousand persons, to ascertain whether the 
horrible story could be true ; and there are many 
who recollect the wretched appearance of this 
poor girl, whilst she to them narrated the persecu- 
tions by her undergone whilst living with the Barnes 
family. What a strange contrast was her ghastly 
face and attenuated form, to the blooming beauty and 
fashion by whom she was often surrounded. Had 
Ann Hindershot been a slave on a Southern planta- 
tion,t this incident might have done admirably as a 
fresh horror for Mrs. Beecher Stowe to add to 
*MJncle Tom's Cabin;" but as Ann Hindershot 
was only a white servant, and her master and mis- 
tress natives of a Northern State, it is not likely 
that Mrs. Stowe would venture to interweave such 
a narrative in any of her productions. A large 



* A suitable accompaniment to the story of "Prue, the Rusk 
■woman," in New Orleans. 

f Having nothing but memory on which to rely, perhaps some 
of the old inhabitants can state the fate of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. 



262 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

subscription having been taken up for Ann, it was 
by some of the most judicious citizens suggested 
that she should be returned to her parents in Buf- 
falo ; but this scheme was not carried into effect, 
and some of the more visionary were not willing to 
receive as true the statement given by Barnes, but 
they desired for her a more romantic history. A 
gentleman of Lynchburg, recollected that some 
years previous he had seen the advertisement of a 
Mrs. Allen, of New York, stating that her only 
child had been lost or stolen whilst conveying some 
work to the Sing Sing prison, for which she was as 
a seamstress employed. This advertisement con- 
tained a description of Susan Allen, the lost child, 
and it earnestly called upon all humane persons 
throughout the United States to assist her in the 
recovery of her daughter. 

The gentleman above mentioned, hastily summon- 
ing a council of his friends ; they unanimously came 
to the conclusion that Ann Hindershot was no other 
than Mrs. Allen's ^' Wept of Wishton Wish;" so 
they accordingly wrote to that lady, urging her im- 
mediate presence in Lynchburg, saying to her that 
her lost treasure had been recovered. Mrs. Allen, 
soon appearing, was most hospitably received by 
many of our citizens, but more particularly by those 
belonging to the Methodist denomination. She was 
informed of all the circumstances, and told of the 
large donation which had been given to the child ; 



OF LYNCHBURG. 263 

but on meeting Ann Hindershot, there was no 
simultaneous rush into each other's arms, and no ad- 
juration in the true style of novels, of "Living 
Image of my departed Theodore ;" for, greatly to 
the disappointment of the good people of Lynch- 
burg, Mrs. Allen was compelled to acknowledge 
that the child did not resemble the one she had 
lost — that the color of the eyes differed, and that 
the age did not correspond. Whilst in this state of 
doubt, fresh eclat continued to be thrown around 
this pair, and additional sums of money were con- 
tributed for the benefit of Ann Hindershot ; so that 
one day, whilst Mrs. Allen was gazing on her, she 
exclaimed passionately, " Susan Allen, my long 
lost, vainly sought, dearly loved child, embrace 
your mother, for the voice of nature in my heart 
assures me that in that sacred relationship do I 
stand to you ! " The town was thrown into a state 
of delight and enthusiasm ; the soubriquet of Ann 
Hindershot being now no longer recognized, the 
names of Susan Allen and her mother were only 
heard from the lips of the admiring throng ; the 
hospitality of the town was tendered to them so 
abundantly, and Susan Allen so feasted on its good 
things, that, like Grettel in the German story, she 
would frequently say, "who am I; am I Grettel 
or am I not ? " The contrast was so great between 
the scant fare at Barnes's and the rich viands by 
which she was now tempted, that Miss Allen got to 



264 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

thinking that extremes were bad, and that a medium 
between the two was best. 

Mrs. Allen and her daughter left Lynchburg 
early in the winter of 1830, in the house-boat which 
was to explore the river previously to laying off the 
James River and Kanawha Canal. This boat was 
accompanied as far as Smith's well by the mayor 
and a band of music, and after giving three cheers 
for Mrs. and Miss Allen, and three more for our 
good town, the civil functionaries and the band of 
music returned. The public conveyances through- 
out the State were requested to make no charge for 
Mrs. Allen and her daughter, so that their journey 
through Virginia was one great ovation, and Mrs. 
Allen, on regaining the Empire State, found her- 
self with a daughter and a purse well filled with 
money. But living in New York was decidedly 
more expensive than a residence in Lynchburg, and 
the lady soon found that the subscriptions raised in 
that town were not inexhaustible. 

The novelty of the case having worn off, fresh 
supplies could not be obtained from the City of 
Hills, so that the scales fell from the mental vision 
of Mrs. Allen, and not Cinderella, escaping from 
the ball, was more suddenly transformed, than was 
this poor indented servant ; and now, instead of the 
long lost, vainly sought daughter, Mrs. Allen saw 
only before her plain "Ann Hindershot," in almost 
as great need as when rescued from the hands of 



OP LYNCHBURG. 265 

Barnes and his wife. The poor child was then sent 
to Buffalo, and her subsequent fate is not known, 
though it is to be hoped that the kindness of her 
real parents made her some amends for the trials 
and sufferings of her childhood. 



The house at present occupied by Wm. Saunders, 
Esq., was the residence, in 1819, of Mr. and Mrs. 
James Bullock ; then it was the residence of Micajah 
Lynch and his young wife, Anne Moorman. It was 
afterwards the residence of John Smith, Esq., and 
his lovely wife Martha, the eldest daughter of John 
Bullock, Esq. Just opposite to Dr. Early's present 
residence, was the dwelling of H. M. Didlake, Esq., 
a most excellent and highly prized citizen, whose 
wife was one of the most estimable ladies in Lynch- 
burg. Just up the cross street lived Mr. Newhall, 
one of Lynchburg's earliest settlers, a native of 
Lynn, Massachusetts. This worthy man kept for 
many years a shoe-store, and we well remember the 
intense admiration with which his sign was contem- 
plated — a man as large as life having his boots 
pulled off by a colored boy; and the feelings of 
approval at this picture were only second in de- 
gree to those experienced on viewing the sign of the 
good Mr. John Thurman's saddlery, which then, as 
23 



266 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

now, was a small, inane looking horse, standing on 
his hind feet. 

Mr. Newhall was an excellent citizen, and for 
years he filled the office of constable of Lynchburg. 
He was fond of gardening and horticulture, and to 
him is the upper country indebted for the introduc- 
tion of the large Scotch gooseberry. His lovely 
daughter Antoinette became the wife of Mr. Sub- 
lett, of Richmond, where, a few years since, she 
died. His son, Mr. Mortimer Newhall, is a worthy 
successor to his father in his shoe establishment. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 267 



THE MURREL FAMILY. 

The family of Murrel came from Mount Holly, 
New Jersey — a good old town, endeared to many in 
our State who trace their descent from some of its 
inhabitants. Many years since, emigrating to 
Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Murrel made their home 
in the town of Lynchburg, where, for a long time, 
they occupied a place as useful and prominent citi- 
zens. Mrs. Murrel was a lady of great energy and 
industry ; and, doubtless, the success of her sons 
in life, was in a great measure owing to her wise 
and prudent counsels. 

John and Hardin Murrel were, for many 
years, the able and efficient postmasters of Lynch- 
burg, administering its affairs with an energy 
and diligence in the United States unsurpassed. 
The new post-office, of Lynchburg, though of far 
nobler proportions, yet fails to impress the beholder, 
as did the old one, with the extent of Uncle Sam's 
power. The latter, situated on a retired cross- 
street, the mail was there received and the doors 
closed, a very small aperture then being the only 



268 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

means of communication, letters being given out 
thence, seemingly, by an invisible hand. 

What words of weal and woe, of love, of disap- 
pointed ambition, of blighted hopes, would come 
forth from this place, whilst the quiet officers within 
were noiselessly performing their duties, and thus 
distributing joy and sorrow, ruin and success, to 
those without ! What a moral in this scene ! Those 
poor frail mortals outside, on whom a few lines 
could produce all the gradation of feeling, from the 
most ecstatic to the most agonizing. 

When not engaged in the duties of the post-office, 
John Murrel was occupied as a merchant in the 
front part of the establishment ; and, by a long 
course of patient diligence, accumulating an im- 
mense fortune, he did not, like the generality of 
millionaires, wait till his death to benefit his rela- 
tions ; but, settling handsomely his aged parents, 
providing for his sister and other relations, he had 
the satisfaction during his lifetime of seeing comfort 
and affluence abound through his instrumentality. 

Of this family, several survive. Mrs. Claytor, 
a daughter of Mrs. Murrel, being a resident of 
Lynchburg ; and Mrs. G. W. Turner* is also one 

* Since penning the above, this lady has had to mourn the 
untimely death of her son, Maurice G. Turner, a young 
man of most exemplary character, and greatly beloved and 
deeply lamented by all who knew him. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 269 

of this family, being a niece of Mr. Murrel, and 
having come to Lynchburg to reside whilst in early 
childhood. A few years since, Mrs. Murrel, of 
Mount Holly, mother of Mrs. Turner, dying in 
Lynchburg, her remains were interred at the 
Presbyterian graveyard, where a most appro- 
priate tombstone or tablet is placed over her, 
headed with this simple inscription : "To our 
Mother !" — an inscription so touching, and more 
impressive from its very simplicity, than the monu- 
ment and inscription over the tomb of Madame 
Langhans, at Berne, Switzerland. 



270 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



SAMPSON DIUGUID. 

Sampson Diuguid was a native of Appomattox 
county, from which, many years since, he removed, 
making his home in Lynchburg, where, till the time 
of his death, he resided, an honored and beloved 
citizen. Whilst John and Hardin Murrel were 
diligently employed on one side of the street, dis- 
pensing from the post-office good and ill, Sampson 
Diuguid, on the other side, was equally occupied in 
another department of life and death. Combining 
the occupation of cabinet-maker and undertaker, 
he industriously pursued his avocations for the 
benefit of the living and the dead ; and his services 
to the former, will long remain visible throughout 
the whole section of country around Lynchburg, in 
that beautiful, durable furniture, by him manufac- 
tured, differing so widely from those slight showy 
articles procured from the Northern cities. 

Whilst visible to the passers-by at his occupation, 
slowly and surely would the last solemn messenger, 
Death, render it often necessary for the services of 
Sampson Diuguid to be called in requisition for the 
departed. His office of undertaker, so frequently 



OF LYNCHBURG. 271 

placing him amid scenes of distress, it might natu- 
rally have been supposed that even a very tender 
heart would become habituated to such things. Yet 
often has the fine manly face of Sampson Diuguid 
been seen suffused with tears on funeral occasions, 
and frequently at the grave he has with difficulty 
been able to command his feelings. How different 
from men of this occupation described by Dickens. 
Witness the hard, obdurate heart of Sowerberry, 
and the easy, careless levity of Oram and Joram. 

Sampson Diuguid's upright, useful life was closed 
during the winter of 1856, and this brief notice 
cannot be more appropriately closed than by a few 
words treasured up in memory from the editorial of 
the Lynchburg Virginian, announcing his death — 
" And, after having consigned many thousand to 
the narrow chambers of death, he was himself borne 
to the county of Appomattox, there to repose be- 
neath the clods of the valley!" 



A few doors below the establishment of Sampson 
Diuguid was the quiet bachelor abode of Irish John 
Robertson, with its gable end fronting the Main 
street; and where now stands the elegant estab- 
ment of John G. Meen, Esq., was a small wooden 
building kept by that gentleman, but giving, even in 
those days, a promise of the beauty and elegance 
for which his store is now so remarkable. Just op- 



272 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

posite stood "Upper Kyle's;" and the house on the 
same side, divided by a cross-street, was called 
"Lower Kyle's" — for at that period these well 
known Irish merchants were in the zenith of their 
prosperity. A number of excellent residents lived 
below, on either side — the Truslows, Valentines and 
other members of the Methodist Church. 

The family of Todd occupied at one time a 
dwelling opposite to the Banks. Mr. Todd was of 
a good family, well known near the regions of 
tide water; and Mrs. Todd was a lady of great 
amiability and refinement. Having been placed in 
pecuniary difficulties, this lady, with the heart of a 
true woman, exerted all her powers to aid in main- 
taining a large family, performing most cheerfully 
her arduous duties, providing for the education of 
her daughters, and all this time occupying a high 
place in the esteem of all with whom she was asso- 
ciated. 

Mrs. Todd was a sister of those eminent mer- 
chants, the Messrs. DiCK of New Orleans ; and, as 
soon as their fortune was reared,* they acted with 
a nobility and generosity worthy the imitation of 
all brothers. They sent for their sister and her 
family, settling them in one of the Western States, 
in circumstances of ease and comfort. 

The large brick house just opposite the establish- 

* This circumstance was said to be as stated above. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 273 

ment of Strother & Whitehead, was the residence 
of the venerable William Davis, a member of 
the Friends' Society, and occupying one of the 
highest stations in Lynchburg ; for he was by all 
sects greatly reverenced. The building called 
"Friends' Warehouse," was built by him, and was 
under his peculiar jurisdiction. 

Of the members of this excellent family, survive 
Henry Davis, Esq., Mrs. Peter Dudley, and the 
Misses Davis, of Lynchburg ; all of these ladies 
are well known, and distinguished by minds of fine 
order, highly cultivated, and, in an eminent degree, 
possessing all those virtues of integrity, sincerity 
and truthfulness, for which their honored parents 
were so remarkable. 



Mrs. Constance Boudar was a native of France, 
and was at one time a resident of the city of Paris ; 
but, removing to the island of St. Domingo, it was 
said that she was there at the time of the insurrec- 
rion, having been for several days concealed in a 
large brick oven.* Many years since, Madame 
Boudar removed to Lychburg, where, by the assist- 
ance of her amiable and intelligent young daughter, 
Mercie Hyacinth Boudar, she made a comfortable 

* This was always told and believed, but the writer does not 
vouch for the truth. 



274 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

support by the sale of toys and confectionary. She 
"was a polite, well-bred lady, truly French in ap- 
pearance, with her large hoop ear-rings and her 
handsome snuff-box. 

An excellent, honest-hearted woman, well-culti- 
vated in the literature of her native land, Mrs. 
Boudar resided for many years in our town, beloved 
and respected. A zealous and enthusiastic Roman 
Catholic, Mrs. Boudar always, with joy, hailed the 
rare pleasure of seeing a priest of her own denom- 
ination; for at this period the services of the 
Roman Catholic Church were quite unknown in 
Lynchburg. 

Miss Mercie Boudar, possessing considerable 
musical talents, aided her mother by giving in- 
structions in that accomplishment. In their neatly 
kept parlor sat the piano, and the choice books 
constituting their library, whilst the bed, like the 
one described in Goldsmith's "Deserted Village," 

" contrived a double debt to pay, 



A bed by night — a chest of drawers by day !" 

Thus happily and peacefully lived this good 
mother and daughter, their departure from Lynch- 
burg being a source of real regret ; and long will 
the oldest inhabitants and their children remember, 
with satisfaction, those good primitive times, when 
this courteous French woman presided over the 
sweet tastes of the community of Lynchburg. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 275 

In the year 1819, there lived a young man not 
far from the establishment of Samuel Thurmon, 
whose name was Parham Adams. He was a con- 
fee doner , and at one time resided on Bank Square, 
and at another, his store was a few doors above 
Hollins's corner. His establishment boasted a 
very fine soda fountain, and being excessively 
anxious to possess the best soda water in Lynch- 
burg, he had been heard to say that he would 
continue to put on gas till this end was accomplish- 
ed, even if he should be blown up along with his 
soda fountain. 

To use the expression of Mr. Dowler of the 
Pickwick, " This was a rash vow" — for one morn- 
ing, after he had fixed the fountain to his satisfac- 
tion, it was really blown up with a tremendous 
explosion, carrying along with it the unfortunate 
man, striking his head against the ceiling, and, in 
his descent, actually with his features indenting the 
marble. Medical aid, though instantly procured, 
of course failed to re-animate him, and by strangers' 
hands was this young man arrayed for burial, and, 
on the following day, borne to his grave by the 
company of soldiers to which he belonged. A neat 
marble tablet, in the old graveyard, marks the 
place of his interment. 



The " Cabell House" now stands partly on the 



276 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

site of the shop and residence of the late Mrs. 
Sally Thuemon; and, to old inhabitants, this 
part of the city looks unnatural without that hum- 
ble dwelling, its gable-end fronting the street — its 
benignant hostess, with smiling face and honest 
countenance, standing behind the counter, giving 
away, in charity, nearly as much as she disposed of 
for money. 

Mrs. Thurmon was a Miss Lewellen before she 
became the wife of Richard Thurmon ; and she was 
a most remarkable woman, of fine, generous traits 
of character, joined to great magnanimity. Her 
charities were numerous and large, many poor per- 
sons being entirely supplied with food from her 
bakery. Placed at one period of her life in great 
poverty and difficulties, she by a course of patient 
industry, energy and economy, not only retrieved 
the affairs of her husband, but reared for herself a 
fortune. Many of her benevolent acts might here 
be recorded, but the recollection of them is still 
bright in Lynchburg, where her memory will long 
be cherished with feelings most affectionate. 
" Uncle Dick," as her husband was familiarly called, 
was a good-hearted, well-disposed old gentleman, 
whose greatest pleasure consisted in shooting game 
and squirrels for sick persons ; and vividly to 
memory does his image now arise, with gun in 
hand, on his cream-colored horse, his coat laid 
across the neck of the quadruped. Mrs. Thurmon 



OF LYNCHBURG. 277 

died In the winter of 1840, her husband and two 
children surviving her, of whom Mr. Samuel Thur- 
mon is now the only remaining member. An ably 
written sketch of Mrs. Thurmon appeared at the 
time of her death, the authorship being attributed 
to Richard Cralle, Esq., and this admirable piece 
should have been preserved and inserted in a per- 
manent form, amongst the annals of the best and 
worthiest who have departed this life in the town 
of Lynchburg. 



The Eagle Tavern^ in the vicinity of the market- 
house, was kept by Charles Lewellen ; and it was 
there that wax-work shows and other such exhibi- 
tions were held in this good town. There were the 
Quaker beauty, the sleeping beauty, the Virginia 
beauty. General Washington, and the ferocious 
Indian killing the white man, whilst music was 
ground from an excruciating organ. Gould we now 
witness this scene, we should look around the room 
for the "genuine and only Jarley" and " George;" 
and, in the back ground, the sweet pensive face of 
dear little Nell, by the side of her' grandfather. 
Our fine market-house, so much admired by the 
editors of the Virginian, occupied the place where 
now it stands, its fair proportions being adorned 
and increased by a second story. 
24 



278 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

The house next below the Eagle Marble Works, 
was at one time the residence of Mrs. Mary King, 
a Jewess, whose very lovely daughter married a 
Jewish gentleman named Andrews,* for many 
years a merchant of Lynchburg. Mrs. Andrews 
was extremely interesting in appearance, and might 
have served as a model for Rebecca the Jewess. 

Just opposite was the chair manufactory of that 
good, useful citizen, Chesley Hardy, whose faithful 
work, executed more than thirty years since, will 
far outlast chairs manufactured in these days of 
Young America. A glimpse of him, a few years 
since, exhibited so little change in his appearance, 
that we thought it a pity that Rip-Van- Winkle, on 
waking from his long sleep, could not have been so 
fortunate as to find a single one of his acquaintance 
as little altered by the hand of time as Mr. Chesley 
Hardy. A dim recollection exists of seeing exhib- 
ited, ages ago, in that chair establishment, a pair of 
lions and two royal Bengal tigers ; and, together 
with the noise of drums and cymbals in this small 
place, the roar of these animals was terrific. 

The house on the hill, just opposite the residence 



* The Messrs. Andrews removed to New Orleans : it is said 
one of them was drowned in the Lake there, a few years 
since. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 279 

of Henry Dunnington, Esq., was built by Chris- 
topher Winfree, Esq., and was for many years his 
hospitable, kind abode. In the autumn of 1827 
it was taken by Hugh Montgomerie, Esq., who 
lived there for some years. This gentleman was a 
native of Scotland, but early in life emigrated to 
Virginia. Possessing kindly dispositions and most 
brilliant talents, he will long be remembered by 
friends who have enjoyed the pleasure of listening 
to his conversation, so full of wit and vivacity. 
Mr. Montgomerie married, some years since, Anne, 
the daughter of Thomas Colquhoun, of Petersburg ; 
and this lady is well beloved by friends in this com- 
munity, surviving her husband, who died in 1855. 

Thomas Colquhoun, Esq., was for several years 
a resident of Lynchburg. He was also a native of 
Scotland; but, emigrating to this country, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Wilhelms : and shortly 
after that event, he went to reside in the city of 
London, where he was for many years a prosperous, 
wealthy merchant. But in about fourteen years 
from that time, again returning to Virginia, he 
made Petersburg his home, till about 1827, when 
he came to reside in Lynchburg. Mr. Colquhoun 
was a gentleman of fine mind and most excellent 
heart, and greatly endeared himself to many during 
his residence in Lynchburg, where his manly, hand- 



280 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

some appearance, and strict integrity and upright- 
ness are still most warmly remembered by the old 
inhabitants. He died suddenly in 1831, and his 
remains are interred in Lynchburg. His excellent 
and venerable widow survives him, with the powers 
of her mind undimmed and unimpaired by time. 



i 



OF LYNCHBUna. 281 



REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH 

OF LYNCHBURG. 

About the year 1826 or 1827, a division occurred 
in the Methodist Church of Lynchburg. Of the 
causes leading to this separation, it is not here ne- 
cessary to write ; sufficient is it to remark, that no 
doctrinal points were involved in it, and only a dif- 
erent view of some of Wesley's opinions on church 
government, causing the division, they parted with 
little or no unkind feelings. 

The Society worshiped for a time in the old Ma- 
sonic Hall,* and as soon as the basement of their 
own Church was completed, they there held a Sab- 
bath school, and carried on religious services several 
times during the week. The first minister of this 
denomination was a man of gigantic frame, the Rev. 
Mr. McKane ; then for a time the services of the Rev. 
Mr. Jennings were procured. He was a son of Dr. 
Samuel K. Jennings, already mentioned, an emi- 
nent physician and exemplary minister of the Gos- 
pel, and one of the most worthy and efficient 

* If memory is right. 



282 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

preachers, wlio formerly belonged to the Society 
■worshiping in the old Methodist Church of Lynch- 
burg. Then for a time the Rev. Mr. Latimer was 
their esteemed minister : but their great stronghold 
and most able minister, was the Rev. William J. 
HoLCOMBE. He was a son of the venerable Phile- 
mon Holcombe, of Prince Edward, and a younger 
brother of our beloved townsman, Captain Thomas 
Holcombe. Graduating at an early age in medi- 
cine. Dr. Holcombe settled in Lynchburg, where he 
became the husband of Miss Clopton, one of the 
loveliest girls reared in the town. A few years 
after his marriage, becoming deeply impressed on 
the subject of religion, he earnestly sought and 
found that pearl of great price, and studying for 
the ministry, he made such rapid progress that he 
was in a short time ordained as a minister of the 
Methodist denomination ; continuing since that time 
to adorn that sacred office, carrying into his reli- 
gious profession all that fervid zeal and all those 
ardent feelings so characteristic of the Holcombe 
family, and which are the true sources of eloquent 
preaching. 

As a practitioner of medicine. Dr. Holcombe's 
reputation is well known and widely spread ; and 
after having followed for many years his profession, 
gaining the entire confidence of the community, 
Dr. Holcombe, with the humility of a great mind, 
went on for a season to Philadelphia, attend- 



OP LYNCHBURG. 283 

ing again the medical lectures, and thereby per- 
fecting himself in the knowledge of his profession. 
Combining the sacred calling of a minister of Christ 
with that of a physician, he, like the venerated Dr. 
Samuel K. Jennings, has often had it in his power, 
whilst administering to the suflfering frame, to lead, 
guide and direct the sick man to the Great Physi- 
cian and Saviour of souls. About nineteen years 
since, emigrating to Indiana, Dr. Holcombe there 
made a home, from which emanated the bright 
Christian example of himself and wife, who ensured 
to themselves the respect and affection of the com- 
munity in which they lived. But the climate of 
Indiana, ill suiting the feeble, delicate temperament 
of Mrs. Holcombe, they have since returned to Vir- 
ginia, choosing for their home a farm in the vicinity 
of Lynchburg. Shortly before settling at his pre- 
sent residence, and whilst making arrangements to 
do so, he preached in Lynchburg to a large congre- 
gation of his own denomination, together with many 
belonging to other churches ; and this discourse, for 
simple, touching eloquence, mingled with real feel- 
ing, was said never to have been surpassed in Lynch- 
burg. The moving allusions to the past, connected 
with many whose seats were vacant, and their places 
no longer known — all these, united to the pathos of 
the discourse and the spirituality of the sermon, 
drew tears from the eyes of the sternest. Several 
of the sons of Dr. Holcombe are residents of Vir- 



284 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

ginia, and amongst them Professor James P. Hol- 
combe of the University of Virginia. 

Of the many valuable members of the Reformed 
Methodist Church, only a few names will here be 
recorded. Christopher Winfree, for many years 
a devout member of the old Methodist Church, went 
over to the Radical Church at the time of the sepa- 
ration. He is a native of Chesterfield county, and 
a gentleman of great private worth, and as a friend 
and neighbor, unrivalled for excellence. In early 
life he married Mary, a daughter of Major William 
Warwick, of Amherst, and a very lovely woman was 
Mrs. Winfree ; but surviving only a few years her 
marriage, Mr. Winfree was, whilst a young man, 
left a widower with four small children. In a few 
years he again married, choosing for his wife Cor- 
nelia M. Tilden, a very beautiful girl, the daughter 
of Dr. Tilden of Winchester. This lady was all 
that a Christian wife and mother should be, steering 
wisely her course in the narrow and difficult path of 
step-mother, avoiding all those shoals on which so 
many have been wrecked. 

Adorning the doctrines of God her Saviour, and 
over her household presiding with a sway wise, mild 
and gentle, Mrs. Cornelia Winfree passed a life 
most blameless in Lynchburg, where her memory 
will long be tenderly cherished ; nor will those who 
there knew and loved her, ever forget her, though 
they are now removed from their native place. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 285 

This excellent lady died about the year 1837, leav- 
ing a numerous family, all of whom survive her, 
with the exception of Robert Nelson, her youngest, 
whose early piety and beautiful death are assurances 
that he has in the spirit-land joined his mother. 

John Victor was a member of the same Church, 
and was a connection of the Winfree family, having 
married Mary, the oldest daughter of Dr. Tilden. 
Mr. Victor was a native of Fredericksburg ; but re- 
moving with his parents to Lynchburg when very 
young, he was for many years the principal jeweller 
and silversmith of tha upper country ; and an old- 
fashioned spoon, marked " Williams and Victor," 
forcibly recalls the period when, with wonder and 
admiration, the windows and show-cases of this es- 
tablishment were contemplated ; bringing to mind 
also the time when, with his sweet, excellent wife 
by his side, he might be seen entering the house of 
God. When there, his zeal in the services of the 
sanctuary, and his mild, holy countenance, showed 
that his thoughts were far withdrawn from worldly 
concerns, and centred wholly in contemplation of 
heavenly things. Mr. Victor died many years 
since, leaving a widow and children who reside in 
Lynchburg. 

Edward William Victor, the second son, was 
a young man of fine personal appearance, and of 
great promise. In early manhood he had been 
united in marriage to Margaret, the daughter of 



286 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Mrs. Cole,* of Lynchburg, and a touching incident 
is connected with the death of this young couple. 
Fearing that he was threatened with pulmonary dis- 
ease, Edward William accompanied to the South a 
kind friend, hoping that a short residence in a 
warmer climate would arrest the disease, and restore 
in full health, to a young family, the husband and fa- 
ther. But a sudden and fatal change occurring in his 
disease, he was hurried into eternity, whilst to his 
friend remained the painful task of informing his 
wife and family of this mournful event. A few 
days previous to the arrival of the letter in Lynch>- 
burg, Margaret Victor died unexpectedly, and thus 
was she spared this great sorrow. Can we imagine 
anything more blissful than their joyful re-union in 
Heaven, free from the pains and sorrows of mor- 
tality, without having even suffered the pangs of 
parting, and each till that moment ignorant of the 
death of the other ! 

Mr. William Burd and his good wife were na- 
tives of Ireland, but early in their married life emi- 
grating to America, they became residents of Lynch- 
burg, where they so ensured the love and respect of 
all with them associated, that they will long, with 
pleasure, be remembered in the city. Mr. Burd 
was a gentleman of most gentle, honest and amiable 
feelings, practising, with great zeal and energy, his 

^ The daughter of Mrs. Wallace, Trho afterwards married 
Rev. Mr. Cole. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 287 

profession, wliicli was that of an extensive tin man- 
ufacturer — and with what honesty and faithfulness, 
it may well be computed, when it is told that arti- 
cles manufactured at their establishment more than 
a quarter of a century since, are even now far 
superior to those purchased only a few months since 
from our present manufactories. They were zealous 
members of the Methodist Church, to which denomi- 
nation a large family of daughters were attached. 
Evelina Burd, the eldest daughter, a very lovely 
girl, was, at the age of fifteen, married to Richard 
Swift Tilden, Esq. This lady was greatly beloved 
in Lynchburg, and, on her removal to St. Louis, she 
left a name eminent for domestic virtues, energy and 
industry. In her new home she rapidly made friends, 
and occupying a prominent position in society, her 
tranquil disposition and well-ordered mind exercised 
a great influence over the affectionate little band of 
Lynchburgers then resident in St. Louis. The health 
of Mrs. Tilden becoming impaired, she sought for a 
time a more northern climate, procuring the advice 
of the eminent medical men of Philadelphia. Re- 
tifrning home, her friends believed her restoration to 
health complete ; but, late in the year 1839, thes^ 
hopes were blighted, and the beloved invalid calmly 
sunk to rest, whilst sorrowing ones stood around her 
bed of death, hymning for her those sacred words 
to which she had so loved to listen, as she sat within 
the sacred walls of the old Methodist Church in the 
home of her early youth. 



288 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

One of the three daughters survives their excel- 
lent mother. Mrs. Mary Jane Robbins, wife of Z. C. 
Robbins, Esq., is at present a resident of Washing- 
ton city, D. C, and though only a child when her 
parents left Lynchburg, Mrs. Robbins is most affec- 
tionately remembered in that place and its vicinity, 
by classmates as well as by those some years her 
senior. 

Amanda Burd, the second daughter, married 
Mr. Patterson, a native of Ireland, and in a brief 
time this gentleman died in Lynchburg. About the 
year 1827, a young man by the name of Shelton 
settled in Lynchburg. He possessed a fine appear- 
ance, good sense, and habits of great application to 
business, so that he soon became very prosperous. 
This young man was a native of the lower country, 
and connected with the Shelton family of Hanover, 
one of whose members was the first wife of Patrick 
Henry. In the month of December, 1827, Ann 
Burd, the third daughter, was united in marriage 
to Mr. Shelton, the wedding taking place on the same 
night of that of Eliza Daniel and William Lewis Ca- 
bell, the carriages to the different places of festivity 
meeting and intersecting each other constantly. In 
after years, emigrating to St. Louis with her hus- 
band and father's family, Mrs. Shelton, for a length 
of time after the death of that young wife and hus- 
band, rejoiced in the sacred ties of wife and mother, 
but about twenty years since she died in St. Louis, 
her husband and family surviving her. 



I 



OF LYNCHBURG. 289 



FORTUNATUS SYDNOR. 

There are few of the old inhabitants of Lynch- 
burg, who can ever forget Fortunatus Sydnor — his 
fine, manly form ; his bright, intelligent face ; his 
ready wit, so tempered with good humor ; his cheer- 
ful hilarity ; his genuine, old Virginia hospitality. 
For many years cashier of the Virginia Bank, his 
playful wit lightening his own laboi^, as well as 
those of others ; and long will that side-walk appear 
as though it were still gladdened by the genial pre- 
sence of this excellent man ; for that locality is in- 
separably joined with pleasing memories of the 
past, to which Mr. Sydnor is closely linked. 

United in marriage to Lizzie Royall, a lady of 
great worth and loveliness, the measure of his hap- 
piness would have been complete, but for the con- 
stant feeble health of that lady. The death of his 
noble-hearted son, Royal Sydnor, just as he had at- 
tained manhood, the loss of his second son, followed 
by that of several infant children — all these teach- 
ings of mortality were sent to this family in the 
brief space of a few years. With fortitude Mr. 
25 



290 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTION^ 

Sydnor bore these afflictions, raising the drooping 
spirits of his wife, for whom was ever dreaded a 
fatal attack of pulmonary disease. But, alas! for 
the uncertainty of human life ! the strong man was 
cut down in the prime of life, in the year 1840, 
whilst the feeble wife was left alone to combat the 
troubles of earth. 

Mrs. Sydnor possessed a deep, fervid, vital 
piety, and the knowledge that she was, at any mo- 
ment, liable to enter eternity, had been present to 
her for many years, causing her "conversation to 
be in Heaven ;" so that a few years since, when the 
summons came, she arose with willing feet and 
" went forth ^o meet the Bridegroom." A devoted 
member of the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Sydnor's 
Christian demeanor was such, that all who saw her 
" could also take knowledge of her that she had 
been with Jesus." 

** Calm on the bosom of thy God, 
Fair spirit, rest thee now. 
E'en while with us thy footsteps trod, 
His soul was on thy brow. 

Dust to its narrow house beneath. 

Soul to its place on high, 
They that have seen thy look in death, 

No more may fear to die." 



OF LYNCHBURG. 291 



THE BYRD FAMILY. 

DAVIDSON BRADFUTE. 

Mrs. Ann Ursula Byrd was the wife of Wil- 
liam Bjrd, Esq., of Westover, a son of the gallant 
Colonel Bjrd of the olden time. Her maiden name 
was Munford, and after the death of Mr. Byrd, she 
came to Lynchburg to reside with her married 
daughters, Mrs. Bradfute and Mrs. Alexander 
Tompkins. Of a family of five daughters, Mrs. 
Ann 0. Wright, of Lynchburg, is the sole surviving 
member. 

Davidson Bradfute, Esq., was a native of Bed- 
ford county, and from the name, it may be inferred 
that the family of Bradfute are of Scottish descent. 
Few men in Lynchburg occupied, in the regard of 
friends, a higher station than Mr. Bradfute, and 
justly did he command the respect and affection of 
a large circle with him associated. Upright, kind, 
and industrious, the many virtues of Davidson Brad- 
fute shed over his family and connections a lustre, 
and his death, occurring in 1829, was a heavy 
calamity. 



292 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Mr. Bradfute married Maria, the daughter of 
Mrs. Byrd, and for many years they resided in the 
house at present occupied by Alexander Tompkins, 
Esq., their abode being the scene of the most con- 
stant, generous hospitality. The remembrance of 
this family is much cherished in Lynchburg, particu- 
larly on account of the extraordinary beauty of 
its seven daughters. In the year 1854 Mrs. Brad- 
fute died, having followed to the tomb many of her 
lovely daughters. 

With what love and tenderness is the memory of 
Evelyn Carter Bradfute regarded by friends 
and associates in her native place. She was born 
in the month of June, 1814, and in early childhood 
gave promise of the great loveliness of her more 
mature years. She was, indeed, perfectly beauti- 
ful — the mild, bright intelligence of those exquisite 
dark eyes being the index of a heart and soul most 
amiable, generous and self-sacrificing. After re- 
ceiving the meed of admiration from many suitors, 
she was, in the autumn of 1833, united in mar- 
riage to Alfred Penn, Esq., of New Orleans ; but 
ere a few years had flown by, in her early bloom 
she had passed away, her resting-place far from 
friends and home ; yet, in some faithful, loving 
hearts, is deeply cloistered a most affectionate re- 
membrance of this lovely woman, and the sweet, 
gentle influences of her character will ever continue 



OF LYNCHBURG. 293 

to act on those "who were "with her associated. 
During the winter of 1842, she hreathed her last 
in the city of New Orleans, in the 27th year of her 
age, and her loved remains repose in the cemetery 
near the city, where a touching and appropriate in- 
scription on her tomb tenderly recalls to passers-by 
the sweet time of her girlhood in her native place. 
To this sacred spot do Virginians oft resort, and 
pensively bend over the grave which contains the 
" early called," the dearly loved friend of long ago, 
Evelyn Carter Penn. 

** A star has left the kindling sky, 
A lovely northern light. 
How many planets are on high, 
But that has left the night. 

I miss its bright familiar face, 

It was a friend to me, 
Associate with my native place. 

And home beyond the sea." 



The dwelling over the druggist establishment of 
Robinson Stabler was for some years the residence 
of Thomas McKinney, Esq., an excellent citizen, 
who, with his amiable wife and family, were highly 
esteemed in Lynchburg. Mrs. McKinney was a 
daughter of the good and venerable Mrs. Dupuy, of 
Richmond, and soon after her marriage, connecting 



294 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

herself with the Episcopal Church of Lynchburg, 
she continued, till the day of her death, a most 
valued, beloved member and communicant. 

With this family, in the year 1828, came to re- 
side Martha Louisa McKinney, only daughter of 
William McKinney, Esq. She was a niece of both 
Mr. and Mrs. McKinney, as her father had also 
married a Miss Dupuy, who, dying early, had left 
three children, of whom Peter D. McKinney, Esq., 
Richmond, is now the only survivor. 

Martha L. McKinney was one of the most amia- 
ble girls that ever resided in Lynchburg ; generous, 
warm-hearted and affectionate ; gifted with a fine, 
vigorous mind and playful fancy, united to great 
simplicity of character and perfect naivete of man- 
ners, it is no wonder that Martha McKinney should 
have occupied a high place in the hearts of a large 
circle of friends. In the spring of 1831 she was 
married to David Bridges, Esq., now of New Or- 
leans ; and this wedding was remarkable for the age 
of this youthful pair, who then pronounced their 
vows. The bridegroom was not twenty years old, 
and the bride just seventeen. Mrs. Bridges passed 
through various alternations of fortune, but whether 
in prosperity or adversity, she was the same loving, 
disinterested friend. Full of life, the dark clouds 
of adversity could only, for a brief period, over- 
shadow the delightful sunshine of her disposition. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 295 

Removing to Richmond soon after her marriage, 
her shining qualities soon reared around her a nu- 
merous circle of friends, who dearly love now to 
speak of her with affection and admiration. A 
great misfortune visited her family, at the time of 
her death, which occurred in the spring of 1844. 
Her death, as her life, was most beautiful, her gen- 
tle, lovely traits being conspicuous even in that 
solemn hour. Her husband survives her, together 
with five children, Mrs. Roy and Miss M. Bridges, 
of Richmond, William Bridges, of New Orleans, 
and two younger sons residing in the city of Rich- 
mond. 

Fair with my first ideas twined, 
Thine image oft will meet my mind, 
And while remembrance brings thee near, 
Affection oft will drop a tear. 

What tragic tears bedew the eye, 
What deaths we suffer e'er we die ; 
Our broken friendship we deplore, 
And loves of earth that are no more. 

No after friendships e'er can raise 

The endearments of our early days. 

And ne'er our hearts such fondness prove, 

As when we first begin to love. 

Anon. 



296 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



The FranMin Hotel was built by Samuel Harri- 
son, Esq. It was thought at the time a stupendous 
undertaking, and it remains a lasting monument of 
the energy and judgment of the remarkable man 
by whom it was planned. Very soon after its com- 
pletion, this Hotel was leased to Mr. Hoyle, and by 
this gentleman was the establishment kept for many 
years in a style superior to anything of the sort in 
the State of Virginia. This excellent and venera- 
ble man was a native of Ireland, but for a number 
of years previous, he had been an inhabitant of 
Lynchburg, and a proprietor of the old ^'Indian 
Queen," kept on Main street. In his native coun- 
try, Mr. Hoyle occupied a high standing amongst the 
Irish gentry ; but circumstances rendering it neces- 
sary for him to emigrate, he, with his wife, son, 
daughter and nephew, embarked for America. 
Mrs. Hoyle was a lady of amiability and refine- 
ment, and long will this excellent couple be remem- 
bered in Lynchburg by the old inhabitants. The 
superiority of the table, the perfect order of the 
establishment, the handsome antique furiliture, the 
fine pictures, the kindly bearing of the host and 
hostess — all these assisted in making such a public 
house as we can never more see in this age of steam 
and telegraph. Amassing a large fortune at this 
model Hotel, Mr. Hoyle retired from business, his 



OF LYNCHBURG. 297 

head perfectly frosted by age, and leaving in the 
hearts of countless friends a lasting remembrance. 
He survived his good wife many years, and at his 
death divided his honestly gained estate between 
his daughter, Mrs. Mary Brown, and his nephew, 
Mr. George Hoyle, both of whom reside in St. 
Louis, Missouri. The Franklin Hotel was then 
leased by Robert Morriss, Esq., and for many years 
himself and his worthy lady presided over the es- 
tablishment with a skill and wisdom comparable only 
to that of the venerable Mr. Hoyle. The name of 
this Hotel is now changed tc^that of the " Norvelle 
House ;" and with all the expense encountered by 
its proprietors, with all its gorgeous, showy furni- 
ture and many parlors, this house has never been 
what it was in the days of Mr. Hoyle and Robert 
Morriss, Esq. 



298 SKETCHES AND EECOLLECTIONS 



AN OLD COUPLE. 

" Woodman, spare that tree — 
Touch not a single bough." 

In the year 1819, Dr. Humphreys resided in our 
town, on Main street, and his dwelling was a long, 
low cottage-looking building, afterwards the resi- 
dence of Samuel Bransford, Esq. At that time, 
this house was deeply shaded by a row of beautiful 
catalpa trees, which, at the earnest entreaties of 
Mrs. Humphreys, had been permitted to remain by 
the town authorities. Dr. Humphreys was of Scot- 
tish origin, and was amongst the earliest and most 
respected of the first settlers of Lynchburg, where, 
with considerable reputation, he practiced the medi- 
cal profession ; his druggist store, at that time, with 
the exception of Dr. Enfield's, was the only estab- 
lishment of the sort in town. Mrs. Humphreys was 
a high-born, polished lady, of comely appearance 
and gentle manners. Of great energy and indus- 
try, she thus materially aided her husband in his 
affairs, as well as by her prudence and foresight. 



OF LYNCHBURa. 299' 

Many young ladies from the country were placed 
at the residence of this worthy couple for the pur- 
pose of attending the schools of Lynchburg. The 
parents confiding them to their care, felt every as- 
surance of confidence in the kindness and discretion 
of Dr. and Mrs. Humphreys. 

Two lovely daughters gladdened the old age of 
their parents — Isabella, the eldest, became the wife 
of James Bullock, Esq., and Jane, the younger, was 
married to Wm. Lynch. The druggist establishment 
of Dr. Humphreys was kept in the house afterwards 
occupied as such by the late Dr. Howell Davies, and 
being somewhat deaf and near-sighted. Dr. Hum- 
phreys was often the recipient of many ill-timed 
jokes from the numerous school-boys of the town ; 
for instance, one of them would often stand at the 
corner of the street above, beckoning to Dr. Hum- 
phreys as though on urgent business ; and before 
this worthy disciple of Esculapius could possibly 
reach the spot, the person beckoning would have 
vanished. 

He employed in his establishment a young Scotch- 
man, who was a great mimic, as well as a ventrilo- 
quist, and when sent down into the cellar, this Cale- 
donian lad would appear to be carrying on a con- 
versation with several others ; and, oh horror ! Dr. 
Humphreys could distinctly hear them uncorking 
bottles and decantering wine from a cask of his very 
best and oldest vintage. Precipitating himself down 



300 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

the steps after the delinquents "with such rapidity as 
to endanger life and limb, on entering the subterra- 
neous apartment, Dr. Humphreys would find no one 
there save the young Scotchman, who would look 
up with a demure countenance, innocently surprised 
at the speed and excitement of his employer. Nor 
was this the only annoyance at this druggist's store; 
for the Doctor possessed a colored man, named Bob, 
who was also an incomparable mimic ; and so per- 
fectly could he imitate the voice of Dr. Humphreys, 
that frequently he would cause a great tumult 
amongst the young men, by coming suddenly to the 
door and beginning to scold and grumble like his 
master. In the habit of putting his pen behind his 
ear. Dr. Humphreys endeavored to enforce amongst 
his clerks this custom, together with that of putting 
bottle stoppers and spiles in that same convenient 
place ; but failing in this one day, it is said that 
Dr. Humphreys lost gallons of fine molasses, not 
finding the spile in its usual resting-place, and in his 
confusion entirely forgetting where it was laid. 

At this time Dr. Humphreys had in his employ- 
ment a young man by the name of Richardson, who 
was also by birth a Scotchman, and who professed to 
be a nephew of Burns' Highland Mary, thereby in- 
vesting himself with some of the romance which 
surrounds that sweet and beloved dream of the 
Ayrshire ploughman's youth. 

Dr. Humphreys was a good man and a useful 



OF LYNCHBUBe. 301 

citizen, his peculiarities being perfectly harmless. 
He survived for many years his wife and children ; 
and truly touching was it in his decline of life to 
witness his loneliness at his desolate hearth, re- 
lieved only occasionally by visits from a few grand- 
children. 



26 



302 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 



MRS. TALIAFERRO. 

This venerable lady resides in Lynchburg, con- 
tinuing to occupy the same house in which she lived 
nearly half a century since. Her maiden name 
was Price, and she was a sister of Mrs. Meredith 
Lambeth, of the vicinity of Lynchburg. For some 
years, Mrs. Taliaferro was the wife of Roderick 
Taliaferro, Esq., an excellent man, who, dying 
about the year 1819, left her a widow, with the 
sole charge of a young and helpless family. Con- 
scientiously discharging these arduous duties, she 
has had the comfort and gratification, in her old 
age, of seeing her children rise and prosper around 
her ; proving that the good seed, by her sown, had 
fallen into honest hearts, which, in due season, have 
brought forth their fruits. She was the mother of 
the late Judge Norborne Taliaferro, who was reared 
in Lynchburg, and who studied for the bar under 
the auspices of the late Christopher Anthony, of 
that place. Judge Taliaferro was an eminent lawyer, 
and, when a young man, he married Miss Lucy Jones, 
an interesting young lady of Lynchburg. Surviving 



OF LYNCHBURG. 303 

for some years his beloved wife, he was appointed 
Judge of the Henry and Patrick District. Dis- 
charging with great ability these duties, and whilst 
in the midst of his vigor and usefulness, Judge 
Taliaferro died a few years since, leaving his aged 
mother to mourn the loss of her excellent son. 



In a small wooden house, not far below the old 
*' Cross Keys," lived Mrs. WooDROW. A lovely 
face, commanding figure, together with fine sense 
and much suavity of manners, gave to this lady 
great influence at one time in Lynchburg. An 
active member of the Methodist Church, possessing 
great fluency of speech and a perfect command of 
her pen, she occupied in that denomination a promi- 
nent station, and, by her practical skill in nursing 
and administering medicines, she greatly aided their 
society, for visiting the sick and indigent. Her 
maiden name was Fitzhugh, and that of her first 
husband was Brent, and her daughter, Mary Brent, 
was a young lady of great beauty and gentleness. 
Mr. Woodrow, the second husband, was an amiable 
man, but of a family widely difi'ering from her first 
aristocratic connection. Her daughter, Henrietta 
Woodrow, was just expanding into womanhood at 
the time they left Lynchburg. 

Mary Brent married Tipton Harrison, of Lynch- 



304 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

burg, and emigrating with her husband and her 
mother's family to Pensacola, in a brief time, she 
"with her husband, brother and sister, all fell vic- 
tims to the yellow fever ; and the letters of the 
bereaved mother, written in all the eloquence of 
woe, were read with great sympathy and interest 
by many in Lynchburg. Shortly after this time, 
Mrs. Woodrow removed to New Orleans with her 
sister, Miss Nancy Fitzhugh. 

Many little incidents connected with the latter 
personage might be here recorded, but as both her- 
self and her repartees are well remembered by the 
old inhabitants, it is needless to mention them. 
The fate both of Mrs. Woodrow and her sister is 
involved in some obscurity. A few years since, a 
gentleman of Lynchburg received a long and singu- 
lar letter from Miss Nancy Fitzhugh, proposing to 
engage him in a law suit, and laying claim to a 
considerable property in the town of Lynchburg ; 
and for some time this lady was constantly expected 
in the city ; but as no subsequent tidings were ever 
received from her, it may be inferred that Miss 
Nancy Fitzhugh has long since left this lower 
world. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 305 



THE TUCKER FAMILY. 

MRS. MARLi TUCKER— ROSALIE TUCKER. 

^' Beneath every domestic roof/' says an American 
writer, " there are more than are counted by the eye of 
a stranger. Spirits are there which he does not see, but 
which are never far from the eyes of the household. 
Steps are on the stairs, but not for common ears, and 
familiar places and objects restore familiar smiles and 
tears, and acts of goodness and words of love, which are 
seen and heard by memory alone.'' 

Mrs. Maria Tucker, eldest daughter of Charles 
Carter, Esq.,* was a native of Culpeper county. 
She was in early life married to George Tucker, 
Esq., a native of the Island of Bermuda, and many- 
years since they settled in the town of Lynchburg. 

* The wife of this gentleman was a lady of great goodness, 
refinement and elegance. Her maiden name was " Betsy Lewis," 
the favorite niece of General Washington. Mrs. Eleanor Brown, 
wife of the late Henry Brown, Esq., and Mrs. Otwayanna Owens, 
the second wife of Dr. William Owens, were likewise her daugh- 
ters. These two last ladies will long be most affectionately 
remembered in Lynchburg. They were highly gifted with 
moral qualities, and remarkable for most sprightly imagina- 
tions and minds of the highest order. 



306 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Posssessing a very lovely face, beautiful form, a 
mind highly cultivated, perfect command of lan- 
guage, united to most enthusiastic eloquence, Mrs. 
Tucker adorned the polished circle in which she 
moved, contributing to its gayety and cheerfulness, 
by the most refined wit, perfectly tempered with 
good humor.' For some years the family resided in 
the house owned by George Whitelocke, Esq., in 
the vicinity of the Rev. William S. Reid's resi- 
dence, the daughters a lovely household band, till 
death claimed for its own, Rosalie, the fairest and 
loveliest of the sisterhood. 

This remarkable young person was born in Cul- 
peper on the 8th of May, 1804 ; and, from the 
earliest stage of her existence, her mother had 
formed the most favorable presages of her future 
excellence ; and, though naturally sanguine, Mrs. 
Tucker seems, on this occasion, to have been inspired 
with more than her ordinary enthusiasm. 

I 

Extracts from a Memoir of Rosalie, written hy her Father. 

" From her earliest infancy she was distinguished for 
a feeling, generous heart; as she grew up, it exhibited 
itself in a thousand amiable forms of affection, kindness, 
humanity and benevolence. The tenderness of her na- 
ture was not confined to her relations. She was all 
kindness and sympathy to her young companions — to the 
poor, to the servants, of whom there is not one who 
cannot bear testimony to her beneficence and generosity.'' 



OF LYNCHBURa. 307 

"Even in her last illness, worn down as she was by 
weakness and pain, there was not a day, and scarcely an 
hour, in which she did not form some plan, or make some 
request, which showed that she was often insensible of 
her own suffering in her affectionate solicitude for the 
happiness of others." 

"Warm hearts are apt to be united with irritable 
tempers. They both seem to be the natural effects of a 
more than ordinary sensibility. It was not so with 
Rosalie : she had the temper of an angel. One eternal 
sunshine of good humor and placidity beamed from her 
brow. She was never seen angry, and the meekness and 
patience with which she bore the sufferings of her last 
illness, have never been surpassed. The fact is, a happy 
nature, aided by good precepts and good habits, had so 
subdued all selfish feelings, that they seemed to be sub- 
ordinate to her sympathy for others, and their ease and 
accommodation constituted her chief pleasure — it might 
be said, her ruling passion. Hence it was, that this 
generous disinterestedness did not wait for great occa- 
sions to show itself, or require the stimulus of applause 
for its support, but was excited in the little concerns and 
privacy of domestic life, when the character is seen in its 
true colors without affectation or disguise." 

This gifted young person* died in Lynchburg, 
December, 1819, in the fifteenth year of her age ; 

"^ About the time of her death, many young children were 
called after this lovely girl, and the name Rosalie, has since 
then become quite common in the vicinity of Lynchburg. 



308 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

and, though little more than four years old at the 
time, a perfect recollection of her lovely appear- 
ance is preserved — and would that the tender feel- 
ings of childish admiration could be eloquently 
penned as they are felt. The memory of Rosalie 
Tucker is sacredly cherished by her class-mates, as 
well as by the oldest inhabitants of Lynchburg ; 
and, in her early death, we have a striking exem- 
plification of the broken alabaster box, whose oint- 
ment, though so precious, was unhesitatingly yielded 
to the Saviour ; and whose perfume, though at first 
confined to that humble Hebrew abode, has now 
gone forth to the world, conveying a lesson both 
practical and beautiful. So, after the lapse of 
thirty-nine years, may the present generation be 
instructed and stimulated to press onwards, to " be 
ye therefore perfect" — as much by the tranquil 
death, as by the exemplary life, of this young girl. 
She was very beautiful in person — and a portrait 
of her, taken after death, serves in a measure to 
recall those angelic features. Though much younger 
than Clementina Cuvier, a striking parallel exists 
between Rosalie and this exemplary young French- 
woman, not only in rich mental gifts and perfect 
loveliness of character, but in the peculiar devotion 
cherished towards Rosalie by her gifted father — 
which, in its intensity, resembled the afi"ection 
cherished by Baron Cuvier to his daughter, Clem- 
entina. A few years subsequent to this mournful 



OP LYNCHBURG. 809 

event, Mrs. Tucker was, during the absence of her 
husband, suddenly called hence, leaving her house 
lonely and her young family desolate ; and, without 
doubt, in that solemn hour, she could appropriate 
to herself the truth of our Saviour's words : " What 
I do, thou knowest not now ; but thou shalt know 
hereafter;" for she could not but be assured that 
her beloved daughter, the angelic Rosalie, was 
waiting to receive her on the shores of Eternity. 

Mrs. Tucker left an assurance of peace, and met 
death with great calmness and composure. She 
had evidently had presentiments of her death, from 
many little memoranda found, and from particular 
passages which she had noted and marked in her 
book of hymns — one of which was sung at her 
funeral, which took place at the Presbyterian 
Church, being preached by the Rev. William S. 
Reid, as soon as Mr. Tucker reached his desolate 
home : 

" My hope, my all, my Saviour thou, 
To Thee low now my soul I bow : 
I feel the bliss Thy wounds impart, 
I find Thee, Saviour, in my heart ! 

Be Thou my strength, be Thou my stay, 
Protect me through my life's short day ; 
And if I would from Thee depart, 
Then dwell Thou, Saviour, in my heart. 

In fierce temptation's darkest hour, 
Save me from sin and Satan's power : 
Tear every idol from Thy throne, 
And reign my Saviour, reign alone. 



810 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

My suffering time will soon be o'er, 
Then shall I sigh and weep no more ; 
My ransomed soul shall soar away. 
To sing Thy praise in endless day." 

Of the members of this beloved family, Mr. 
Tucker survives, together with his daughters, Mrs. 
George Rives, of Sherwood, Albemarle county, and 
Mrs. Gessner Harrison,* of the University of Vir- 
ginia. Lelia Tucker, the youngest daughter, died 
some years since at the residence of her sister, Mrs. 
Harrison. She was a lady of great goodness, pos- 
sessing, in an eminent degree, all those qualities of 
mind and heart, for which the other members of 
her family were so remarkable. She died as she 
had lived, the meek, cheerful, devoted Christian ; 
and she is surely now united in Heaven to her 
sainted mother and sister. 



* The recent death of Mrs. Broadus, the young and lovely 
daughter of this lady, whilst awakening affectionate sympathy, 
tenderly recalls the past, blending the excellencies of the young 
wife and mother, with those of the lovely Rosalie, whose ex- 
ample had doubtless been held up to her in childhood. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 311 



THE TOWLES FAMILY. 

COLONEL OLIVER TOWLES. 

" How sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
By all their country's wishes blest ; 
When Spring with dewy fingers cold, 
Returns to deck their hallowed mould, 
She there shall dress a sweeter sod. 
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod. 

By fairy hands their knell is rung. 
By forms unseen their dirge is sung ; 
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay, 
And Freedom shall awhile repair, 
To dwell a weeping hermit there." 

Collins. 

The family of Towles were originally from 
Wales — settling first in the Northern Neck of Vir- 
ginia, where some of their descendants continue to 
reside. Colonel Towles, the subject of this brief 
memoir, was, prior to the Revolution, a lawyer of 
eminence in the county of Orange ; but, as soon as 
the struggle with England commenced, Colonel 
Oliver Towles abandoned the law, entering with his 



312 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

whole soul into the contest for liberty. He was, 
indeed, a patriot and a brave officer, taking an ac- 
tive part from the beginning to the end of our 
Revolutionary struggle with Great Britain. He 
was made prisoner at one time, and suffered many 
hardships as such, on Long Island, where he was 
for some time kept in captivity. 

Colonel Towles* was in several actions, and was 
taken prisoner at the battle of Germantown, where 
he received a wound, which was found out by letters 
from his brother- officers to their friends — for he, 
himself, never alluded to the circumstance. The 
inhabitants of Philadelphia, particularly the ladies, 
distinguished themselves by their kind attentions to 
the prisoners of war. But the British generals 
behaved very ignobly: they taunted our officers with 
General Washington's want of military skill in 
losing the battle, and they spoke of him as '' Mr, 
AVashington ;" at which Colonel Towles was greatly 
incensed, and said that *^he knew no such man, 
and that if they meant the American commander- 
in-chief, and called him so, he would then answer 
them." At which one of the British officers re- 
plied, " These American officers are quite spunky." 

Colonel Towles had a son, called Henry Towles, 



■^ Colonel Towles was a member and Secretary of the Cin- 
cinnati Society. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 313 

who was a Captain in General Wayne's engage- 
ment with the Indians, and who was killed in the 
battle. A letter from his commanding officer to 
his father, shows feelingly in what estimation this 
brave young man was held ; and, amongst the pa- 
pers left by Colonel Towles, were many letters from 
General Washington — one of them saying, that "if 
he was solicited he would take the command of the 
American forces, but that he would not electioneer 
for it, and would give it as his opinion that General 
Andrew Lewis was the fitest man in the country 
for commander-in-chief." Colonel Towles was pre- 
sent at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, 
and he often spoke with enthusiasm of this most 
imposing scene. He was premoted to Lieutenant- 
Colonel, which commission he held to the end of 
the war ; and, when Edmund Pendleton* was made 
Judge, Colonel Towles was solicited to become a 
candidate for that office, but, owing to his personal 
friendships, he refused to be put in nomination. 
Indeed, this venerable patriot was a most remarka- 
ble man, possessing great conversational powers, 
and by his wit and vivacity attracting both old and 
young. 

* On his remoYal to Lynchburg, Colonel Towles called on 
*' Auut Martin," who was a niece of his old friend, and he re- 
marked that "it cost her no effort to be good, as she was so 
constitutionally and by inheritance, — that all the Pendletons 
had good blood flowing through their veins." 

27 



314 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

He was enthusiastically fond of the British poets ; 
and his reading of Shakspeare was so superior, that 
it might have borne comparison with that of Mrs. 
Siddons or Fanny Kemble Butler. He correspond- 
ed with most of the leading men of his day, and 
many of their letters, preserved in the Towles 
family, will, doubtless, hereafter be valuable as his- 
torical references. 

This venerable man lived to be upwards of eighty 
years old, retaining to the last his wonderful facul- 
ties ; and, on the day of his death, which occurred 
during the winter of 1824, in Lynchburg, he read, 
without spectacles, a chapter of small print in his 
Bible. The remains of this brave and good man 
are interred in Lynchburg, where he was beloved 
and reverenced by a large circle of friends and 
relatives. 



Major Oliver Towles, a son of Colonel Towles, 
was a gallant Virginia gentleman, though too young 
at the time of the Revolutionary war, to take part 
in the contest with England. He became the hus- 
band of Agatha Lewis, the name of a family which 
has adorned the annals of our political and military 
history, and which is also equally eminent for the 
more quiet virtues of domestic life. Tall and com- 
manding in person, Mrs. Towles inherited from her 
illustrious ancestors all of that beauty and elegance 



OF LYNCHBURG. 315 

of manner for which they were so remarkable. 
This lady was gifted with a fine mind and excellent 
heart, and long will her good influence be felt 
amoDgst her own descendants and those of the 
warm friends she so strongly attached to herself 
during her residence in Lynchburg. She was an 
ardent, sincere Christian, a devout member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, and she was 
most tenderly attached to the beloved pastor of that 
denomination. 

Surviving for many years her affectionate hus- 
band, she passed through many alternations of 
fortune, all of which she sustained with the dignity 
and cheerfulness of a Christian lady. Out of a 
family of eight children only four survive : Dr. Wil- 
liam Towles, of Caira, Cumberland county; Mrs. 
Caroline Simms, a resident in the vicinity of Caira ; 
Dr. Alfred Towles, of Missouri, and Mrs. John 
Blair Dabney, of Campbell county, Virginia. 

The daughters of Major Towles will ever be 
remembered with pride and pleasure by those who 
knew them in Lynchburg. They were queenly 
looking ladies, gifted with most cordial, affectionate 
dispositions, which served to endear them to friends, 
even more than their brilliant minds and great per- 
sonal beauty. Maria Towles, the oldest, was a very 
gifted and elegant woman. She became the wife of 
Dr. Landon Rives, of Nelson county; and, many 
years since, with her husband and family, she emi- 



316 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

grated to Cincinnati, where, for a length of time, 
Dr. Rives ably filled a professorship in the Medical 
College of the Queen City. About seventeen years 
since, Mrs. Rives was taken suddenly from her de- 
voted family. A portrait of this lovely lady is at 
Oak Ridge, the country seat of Miss P. Rives in 
Nelson county, but it fails to convey to the beholder 
an idea of her beautiful, ever-varying countenance. 

Mrs. John Blair Dabney, the second daughter, 
was well known and beloved, in Lynchburg, by the 
sweet name of Bessie Towles. She was a lady of 
splendid personal appearance, and it was related by 
one present at the time, that, on one occasion, ap- 
pearing in Washington City at a Presidential ball, 
in simple, elegant attire, her beauty and freshness, 
her unaffected, sprightly and graceful manners, 
attracted throughout that large assemblage the most 
unqualified admiration. 

About the year 1822, this lady became the wife 
of John Blair Dabney, Esq., an eminent lawyer of 
the upper country, and a son of the late Judge 
Dabney : and the family reside at their country 
seat, not very distant from Campbell Courthouse. 

Colonel William Lewis, of Mount Athos, who 
married Miss Cabell, was one of the brothers of 
Mrs. Agatha Towles ; and he was for a length of 
time a resident at Mount Athos, nine miles belov/" 



OF LYNCHBURG. 317 

Ljncliburg. This gentleman was, for many years, 
a member of Congress from that district — a friend 
of internal improvement ; and he was a man of 
great literary taste and acquirements. 

Dr. Charles Lewis, a younger brother, was at 
one time a resident of Lynchburg, living in the 
next house below the Franklin Hotel. He married 
Miss Irvine, a daughter of General Irvine, of Phil- 
adelphia, one of the heroes of the Revolution. Dr. 
Lewis subsequently, with his family, moved to Phil- 
adelphia, where many of their descendants now 
reside — and amongst them, Mrs. Mary Leiper* and 
Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, still well-remembered and 
beloved by friends known during their residence in 
Lynchburg. 

" WiUiam Lewis (the father of Mrs. Agatha Towles) 
was the third son of John Lewis.f He was an active 
participator in the border wars, and was an officer of the 
Revolutionary army, in which one of his sons was killed, 
and another maimed for life. When the British force, 
under Tarleton, drove the Legislature from Charlottesville 
to Staunton, the stillness of the Sabbath eve was bro- 

^- Mrs. Leiper married a near relative of Dr. Kane, and in his 
" Arctic Explorations" he named a river in honor of her, " The 
Mary Leiper River." 

j- For a minute and deeply interesting account of the circum- 
stances, connected with the settlement of Augusta county by 
the Lewis family, the reader is referred to Howe's History of 
Virginia, page 181. 



318 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

ken, in the latter town, by the beat of the drum, and 
volunteers were called for to prevent the passage of the 
British through the mountains at Rockfish Gap. The 
elder sons of William Lewis, who then resided at the old 
fort, were absent with the Northern army. Three sons, 
however, were at home, whose ages were seventeen, fifteen 
and thirteen years. William Lewis was confined to his 
bed by sickness ; but his wife,* with the firmness of a 
Roman matron, called them to her, and bade them fly to 
the defence of their native land. ^ Go, my children,^ said 
she — ^ I spare not my youngest, my fair-haired boy — the 
comfort of my declining years, — I devote you all to my 
country ! Keep back the feet of the invader from the 
soil of Augusta, or see my face no more !' When this 
incident was related to General Washington, shortly after 
its occurrence, he enthusiastically exclaimed, ' Leave me 
but a banner to plant upon the mountains of Augusta, 
and I will rally around me the men who will lift our 
bleeding country from the dust and set her free ! ' " 

Howe's History of Virginia. 

William Lewis, mentioned in the above extract, 
owned a princely estate where Staunton now stands ; 
and he, with his brothers, Andrew, Thomas, Charles 
and Samuel, were in Braddock's defeat. They re- 
ceived their early instruction from the venerable 
Dr. Waddell, the blind preacher mentioned by Wirt- 

^ This lady was a niece of General Montgomery. She was 
very proud of her sons — "whom, when called upon, she would 
exhort " to do honor to their cause." 



OF LYNCHBURa. 319 

in his British Spy. The names of these distin- 
guished men are well known in history, so that only 
a slight mention of them is here necessary, it being 
only designed to make a brief record of some of 
the incidents connected with the family of Mrs. 
Agatha Towles, some of which we believe have 
never appeared in print. 

Vf illiam Lewis moved from Staunton to the Sweet 
Springs, wdiere he died at the age of eighty, re- 
vered as a patriarch and honored and beloved by 
the whole community. Charles Lewis, his brother, 
was interred on the battle-field of Point Pleasant, 
like Sir John More, 

*' With, his martial cloak around him." 

It was said of General Andrew Lewis, by the 
Governor of New-York, when sent by General 
"Washington to that city in some public capacity, 
" that his appearance was so grand and imposing 
that the earth seemed to tremble under his tread." 

Colonel Thomas Lewis, one of the sons of Wil- 
liam Lewis, and also a brother of Mrs. Agatha 
Towles, w'as a noble, brave, spirited officer. He 
was aid to General Wayne, and, on one occasion, 
when they were hotly pursued by the Indians, the 
"horse of General Wayne fell, and together with 
the rider being disabled, Colonel Thomas Lewis 
took his general in his arms, and put him on his 
own fleet horse, telling General Wayne to feel no 



320 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

uneasiness on his account, as he would seek safety 
hy taking to his heels. Colonel Thomas Lewis and 
his general were much attached to each other, the 
latter presented the former with a large body of 
land in Indiana. 

William Lewis left three daughters — Margaret 
Lynn,* who was married to Mr. McFarland, of 
Pittsburg ; Agatha, the wife of Major Towles, and 
Elizabeth Montgomery, the wife of Mr. Trent, of 
Cumberland. 

The life of Mrs. McFarland, Mrs. Towles' oldest 
sister, was a very eventful one ; she having from 
early childhood been placed in the midst of peril- 
ous scenes, from some of which she escaped almost 
miraculously. Her father built a fort at Staunton, 
as it was unsafe for families to reside in their own 
dwellings. On one occasion, Margaret Lynn Lewis 
had wandered farther than was safe from the fort, 
and, whilst amusing herself, she saw standing very 
near to her a large Indian. She was a small child 
at that time, and, being very agile, she sprang up 
and ran to the fort, giving the alarm that the In- 
dians were coming. They were in an instant in an 
attitude of defence, and they gave her the credit of 
saving the fort. 

* kSee Howe's History of Virginia for a most interesting 
sketch of Margaret Lynn, grand-claugliter of the Laird of Loch- 
Lynn, and the mother of William Lewis. 



OF LYNCHBtJiRCJi 321 

She married Mr. McFarland, of Pittsburg, and, 
when she left the paternal roof, she traveled 
through a wilderness country, infested with hostile 
Indians, till they reached that place, where they 
did not consider themselves safe, constantly ex- 
pecting attacks from Indians. Among the more 
friendly, she was a great favorite, and, in her 
house, she had a room which she called her 
museum, filled with articles of their ingenious 
manufacture and with all manner of curiosities. 
She could converse with several of their tribes, 
and, on some occasions, she interpreted in their 
councils. Once, when they least apprehended 
danger, a war whoop was heard, her husband taken 
prisoner, the tomahawk raised, and she averted her 
eyes to avoid witnessing the fatal stroke. The 
river was between them, and she, with her infant 
and maid servant, of course, endeavored to fly, 
knowing the inevitable consequences of delay. 
After starting, the servant reminded Mrs. McFar- 
land of her husband's money and valuable papers, 
but she desired the girl not to mention any thing of 
that sort to her at such a moment ; but, regardless 
of the commands of her mistress, the servant re- 
turned to the dwelling, bringing all the money and 
as many of the papers as she could hold in her 
apron, overtaking, in a short time, her mistress, as 
the snow was three feet deep. On looking back, 
they saw the house in flames, and, pursuing their 



822 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

journey, they, with incredible fatigue, reached the 
house of Colonel Crawford,* a distance of fourteen 
miles. Mrs. McFarland was very nearly exhausted, 
having carried her infant child the greater part of 
the way, but, through the kind attention of her 
friends at Col. Crawford's, she was soon restored. 

She remained under the hospitable roof of Col. 
Crawford, till her father, hearing of her situation, 
sent her brother. Col. William Lewis, to bring her 
home, and they travelled the whole distance on 
horseback, using pack-horses for their baggage. 
Throughout the space of three tedious years, the 
brave heart of this remarkable womanf was buoyed 
up with the firm hope and belief that she should 
again behold her beloved husband alive, and at 
length she received intelligence that he had been 
carried captive to Quebec, where he had encoun- 
tered incredible hardships ; but the chiefs had 
agreed, that if a heavy ransom was paid, he might 
be restored to his friends. Of course, this was 
done with the greatest alacrity; his brother going 
on, and returning with Mr. McFarland to Staunton. 

In a short time, the husband and wife returned 
to their desolate home at Pittsburg, where they 



* Col. C. was afterwards inhumanly burnt at the stake. 

f Judge Breckenridge, of Kentucky, who well knew and 
esteemed this noble-hearted lady, said that " he never saw 
such a woman, and that she ought to live in history." 



OP LYNCHBUEG. 323 

literally found nothing left; the Indians having 
destroyed house, stock and every thing pertaining 
to their establishment. They re-built their dwell- 
ing on the same spot, and for many years they 
happily and peacefully resided there, leaving a 
large family all respectably settled about Pitts- 
burg, with the exception of two of her sons, who 
engaged in the fur trade. 

Many years after her return to Pittsburg, Mrs. 
McFarland came on a visit to her parents at the 
Sweet Springs, attracting every one by her vivacity 
and intelligence, and leaving in the hearts of those 
of her connections, then almost in infancy, a last- 
ing remembrance. 



324 SKETCHES AND EEC0LLECTI0N8 



EEV. WILLIAM S. REID. 

Rev. William S. Reid was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and was born about the year 1776. Early 
in life emigrating to Virginia, he settled at Hamp- 
den Sydney College, where he studied for the min- 
istry, which he afterwards adorned by his zeal, piety 
and eloquence. He married Clementina Yenable, 
a young lady belonging to one of the first families 
in Virginia, and she was eminently qualified for the 
wife of a minister. Of excellent disposition, amia- 
ble speech, and a heart without guile, she joined 
to these the most enthusiastic, tender and romantic 
devotion to her gifted husband, the cords being 
only strengthened as she became older. 

Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Reid came to 
Lynchburg, where he established the first Presby- 
terian Church of that place, presenting the ground 
on which to erect the building, and preaching for 
some time with little or no salary ; and for many 
years he was the beloved pastor of that Church, 
walking in all the ordinances of the Lord blame- 
less ; but about the year 1828 or '29, a division oc- 



OF LYNCHBURG. 325 

curred in his Church, putting to a severe test his 
Christian character, as some of his oldest and most 
influential members went over to the new side ; but 
after this time, Mr. Reid continued zealously to ad- 
vance the cause of Christianity by his faithful min- 
istry for many years. Mrs. Clementina Reid was 
a lady of great excellence, and she has left in 
Lynchburg a remembrance of herself that will never 
be effaced from the hearts of her friends. 

Of the ministerial course of this beloved man, it 
is not here the intention to write ; the effects are 
too well known throughout the State, and they will 
continue to be felt through time and eternity ; but 
tenderness of emotion impels us to offer a brief tri- 
bute of him as a teacher, which station he occupied 
for many years in Lynchburg, by presiding over 
one of the best female schools in the State of Vir- 
ginia. His thorough knowledge of the structure of 
the English language, his happy talent for impart- 
ing instruction, and exciting interest in his pupils ; 
his scientific attainments, his graceful manner of 
illustrating by experiments, his impartiality, his 
firmness, tempered by gentleness — all these secured 
to him eminently the respect and regard of his scho- 
lars, who will carry with them through life the most 
affectionate remembrance of Mr. Reid, mingled 
with retrospections of the past most pleasing. 

How many ladies scattered over the United States 
has he educated, and how many of the same have 
28 



326 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

beed joined by bim in the holy bands of matrimony, 
and for how large a number of these has he not 
prayed beside a bed of death, and rendered the last 
solemn services over their graves ! And how many, 
as they approached the hour of death, have blessed 
God that they have been instructed by this beloved 
pastor. 

** Oh ! blessings on his kindly voice, and on his silver hair, 
And blessings on his whole long life, until he meet me there ; 
Oh ! blessing on his kindly heart, and on his silver head, 
A thousand times I blessed him, as he knelt beside my bed." 



The first coronation of the Queen of May ever 
known in Virginia took place at Mr. Reid's school. 
Miss Edgeworth's beautiful story of " Simple Su- 
san"* had just appeared, and its perusal had ex- 
cited in the pupils the strongest interest, mingled 
with a desire to have a celebration. It was told to 
the writer by one of the pupilsf who was then at 
this school, that late in the day on the first of May, 
they requested of their teacher a holiday, choosing 
unanimously for their Queen Eliza Clopton, the most 
beloved of all their school companions. This rustic 

* Wilson, in the " Noctes Arabrosiane," speaks of Miss Edge- 
worth as the authoress of " Simple Susan." May not this great 
and good man be as justly distinguished as the author of 
** Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life ? " 

f The late Mi's. Hobson Johns. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 327 

f^te was conducted with great simplicity, and in the 
hearts of surviving class-mates will ever be most 
tenderly remembered. At that time, and for many 
succeeding years, there were no luxurious arm- 
chairs in Lynchburg, and one venerable elbow-chair 
was every May-day conveyed to Mr. Reid's, and 
from it the May Queen gently swayed the sceptre 
over her flowery realm. That chair, from which 
these lines are penned, sweetly recalls the blithe, 
happy time when Eliza Daniel was Queen of May. 
Her smiling blue eyes, her brown hair, surmounted 
by her wreath of dewy flowers, her graceful form 
draped in white muslin, are yet present to memory. 
On her bosom was fastened, by an old-fashioned 
brooch, a bunch of white rose buds ; their stem was 
broken, and already in their early fragrance and 
beauty were they fading. What could have been 
more emblematic of her brief, happy life, than this 
childish scene ? The flowers of hope and love 
fading in early womanhood, the stem of her afiec- 
tions broken and crushed, as were those pale flow- 
ers, her own life evanescent as her May-day reign, 
and in the lapse of years, nought left to friends 
but sweet memories of the past, treasured in their 
hearts, as pearls of her life's brief story, and by 
them prized as the most sacred relic of by-gone 
days. 

In the year 1841, Mrs. Clementina Reid de- 
parted this life, leaving in the hearts of her family 



328 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

and friends, a void never to be filled. Her death 
materially affected the health of her devoted hus- 
band, and though he submitted to the heavy be- 
reavement with Christian fortitude and resignation, 
still he was never the same after her departure. 
Surviving his wife ten years, Mr. Reid was tenderly 
cherished by a large family, who could not but es- 
teem it a privilege to administer to the comfort and 
happiness of this, their estimable parent. His 
death was deeply felt by the whole community in 
which he lived, and a sketch of his life, by an able 
divine of Lynchburg, appeared at the time of his 
death, bearing ample testimony to his worth and of 
the esteem in which he was held by other denomi- 
nations. A large family survive him. Miss Reid, 
and his two sons, William S. Reid, jr., and S. V. 
Reid, being residents of Lynchburg ; and with the 
exception of Mrs. Martha Calhoun, Mrs. Spencer, 
and Mrs. Wilson, the rest of the daughters of this 
family reside in the Western States. This finished 
scholar and eloquent minister deserves a far better 
memorial than a passing tribute, and it is to be 
hoped that some one intimately acquainted with the 
interesting events of his life, will compile at least a 
small volume for the purpose of publication, embel- 
lished with a portrait of Mr. Reid ; a suggestion 
of this sort will doubtless be warmly responded to 
by friends, former pupils, and their descendants 
scattered over the United States. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 329 



WATERING PLACES OF LYNCHBURG. 

smith's well — Richardson's spring — thurman's 

SPRING — TATE's spring. 

'^ Mr. Pickwick began to drink the water with great 
assiduity. He took them systematically — he drank a 
quarter of a pint before breakfast, and then walked up a 
hill, and another quarter of a pint after breakfast, and 
then walked down a hill ; and after every fresh quarter 
of a pint, Mr. Pickwick declared, in the most solemn and 
emphatic manner, that he felt a great deal better ; whereat 
his friends were much delighted, though they had not 
been previously aware that there was anything the matter 
with him." 

Pickwick Papers. — Mr. Pickwick at Bath. 



" For the use of the water lately discovered by Luther 
Smith,* we, the subscribers, do agree to pay to the said 



* From the original paper containing tlie resolutions, with the 
list of subscribers annexed. Sent by Dr. Fletcher, of Amherst 
county. 



330 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Luther Smith the respective sums affixed to our names, 
viz : the sum of $2 for every family during the season, 
the sum of $1 for every single man during the season. 
The season to commence from the date hereof, and to ex- 
pire the first day of October. The money to be paid in 
advance." 

About thirty-eight years since, a man named 
Smith purchased a small place on the Richmond 
Road, about a mile below Lynchburg. Digging a 
well soon after he settled there, it was found, to the 
astonishment of all, to be a chalybeate of the 
strongest character. He then fitted up the place, 
erecting an arbor, and placing seats around. Then 
he sent out handbills, distributing some, and care- 
fully wafering the others on the sides of walls and 
houses. As these publications greatly extolled the 
waters, and the terms for season tickets were mode- 
rate, the good folks of the town rapidly subscribed 
to his mineral well, and crowds frequented this wa- 
tering place, twice a day — those unable to walk pro- 
curing conveyances — so that hacks, horses and two- 
wheeled gigs might be seen ever wending their way 
to this Bethesda of Lynchburg. Most remarkable 
cures were wrought by these healing waters, several 
persons professing to have been entirely cured of 
consumption; and Smith's polite attention to his 
visitors was so great, that he was fast becoming as 
popular and important a personage as Barrington's 



OF LYNCHBURG. 331 

Dr. Bornmborad,* when an unexpected event took 
place, which forever destroyed Smith's famous well. 
Whilst at the zenith of his popularity, and at 
the time of the most wonderful renovation of inva- 
lids from the use of the waters, the enterprising 
proprietor receiving an advantageous olBfer for the 
place, sold out, departing speedily for the Western 
country. For a short time after, the well retained 
its virtues, but in a few weeks the chalybeate taste 
became more and more faint, till finally all remains 
of it had disappeared. The new proprietor, de- 
scending to the bottom, found, to his horror, a par- 
cel of old nails, horse shoes, frying pans and ovens, 
and it was then ascertained that the said Luther 
Smith had been so fortunate as to have had a cha- 
lybeate well at whatever place he had previously 
located. 

After the failure of Smith's well, Richardson's 
Spring became a favorite resort ; the tide of beauty 
and fashion moving in that direction, on a sum- 
mer's eve might be seen bevies of young ladies, with 
their admirers, strolling to that watering place. 
This chalybeate was undoubtedly genuine ; two large 
bubbling springs continually flowing, showed plainly 
that there were no old nails, horse shoes, or broken 
ovens there. Uncle John, as Mr. Richardson was 



* See Barrington's Sketches, for a sketch of Dr. Borumborad, 
the Irish Turk of Dablin, with his famous baths. 



332 SKETCHES AND KECOLLECTIONS 

familiarly called, was in advance of the German 
doctrine of water cure, and at this place was an im- 
mense shower-bath, which must have been a terrible 
shock to the recipients, as many hundred gallons of 
water descended from a great height on their de- 
voted heads. The screams of the sufferers could 
be heard a half a mile, and altogether the shower- 
bath at Richardson's Springs must have been a trifle 
more than Clarence's dream. 

Mr. Richardson was subject to a few infirmities, 
the worst of them being a fondness for spiritous 
liquors ; and when under the influence of these 
demonSj he would commit acts of which, in his 
sober moments, he would have deemed himself 
incapable. Married to a pretty black-eyed lady,* 
whom he was frequently heard in his sober mo- 
ments to compliment for her resemblance to a 
wax doll, he one day, whilst suffering from mania- 
potu, actually shot this worthy helpmate ; and 
it was thought that this tragic occurrence would 
break up the watering place. But not so ; the 
crowds increased, and many who had previously 
staid away from motives of economy, or from want 
of inclination, now went to see the man who had 
shot his wife, and the wife who had been shot by 



* Mrs. Ptichardson is still living, and if any one wishes to see 
all of the almanacs printed during the last half century, it is 
told them that she has them in her possession. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 333 

her husband. For many years this place continued 
to be a resort for parties of pleasure and for mili- 
tary companies to hold their barbecues on the 4th 
of July ; but those good old times have passed away, 
and military parades, so suitable on that day, have 
given way to pic-nic parties and Sunday school 
processions. 

Many years since, Thurman's Spring came into 
notice : bursting out from a large conical rock, it 
was considered quite a curiosity ; and, in addition 
to its strong mineral qualities, the water was re- 
markably cool and grateful. The ground on which 
it stood was purchased by a man named Williams, 
who there built a most expensive and inconvenient 
house — the room designed for a large mercantile 
establishment, extending over the mineral spring ; 
and a large brick warehouse, built by Williams and 
standing opposite, gave to this part of the town the 
name of Williamsburg. The warehouse has long 
since been destroyed — the spacious dwelling house 
alone remaining to attest the folly of the builder. 
Mr. Williams occupied it but a short time, and 
then the building, like Oliver Tvvist, was let out to 
any one whom they could get to take it. At 
one time, the Rev. Samuel Tompkins rented the 
apartment containing the spring, there keeping a 
school for boys ; and, whilst they drank in the in- 
structions of Mr. Tompkins in classic lore, as well 
as of the humbler branches, going up to drink the 



334 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

chalybeate, afforded a pleasant relief to the hum- 
drum of a school-room — and, occasionally too, one 
of the more daring of the urchins would, to the 
terror of the more timid, act a pantomime with the 
water-gourd, making, like Mr. Swiveller, imaginary 
eights in the air, and then acting as though he in- 
tended to discharge its contents on the head of this 
worthy man. For some years this house was occu- 
pied by William Thurmon, a son of the venerable 
patriarch of our town, and the place takes its name 
from that circumstance. 

Many of the present inhabitants of Lynchburg 
recollect the violent hail-storm occurring in the 
month of July, 1835. The storm came on so sud- 
denly that there was no time to shut open windows 
or to close blinds, in consequence of which nearly 
all the window-glass in town was broken. The 
shrubs and trees were much injured, the corn 
and vegetables destroyed ; and, after the storm, 
enough hail was collected to last several days for 
ice. A tragico-comico, or serio-comic occurrence* 
happened at this place then. A young lady resid- 
ing there was to be married in a few days ; — the 
wedding cake being iced, Avas placed to dry on a 
table, near the open window, and the bridal attire, 



* This is not mentioned on our own authority : it was re- 
lated by Miss , afterwards Mrs. , of , now 

deceased. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 335 

just brought home, was spread out on a couch, not 
far distant. The storm coming very unexpectedly, 
the panic and agitation produced by the noise of 
the hail was such, that the cake and wedding dress 
were forgotten; and, after it was over, on going 
into the room, there was found a complete mass of 
muslin, lace and hail-stones — and, to use the ex- 
pression of old Dr. Humphreys, the cake was found 
"reduced to an impalpable powder." 

The inhabitants now moved to the west end of 
the town in search of health and pleasure, and 
Tate's Spring became renowned, as, in addition to 
the chalybeate, this spring contained a solution of 
sulphur. The place was owned by a fine, old Vir- 
ginia gentleman. Colonel Tate, who was a great 
enthusiast on the subject of machinery ; and, even 
at that early date, he clearly prophesied railroads 
and telegraphs, and those steps proposed by him to 
advance the cause, though to all others they only 
seemed vague and imaginary, were clearly to his 
mental vision a glorious ascent to the very summit 
of the hill of Science ; and it is to be much regret- 
ted, that this good man did not live to witness the 
vast improvements effected in his favorite branch — 
that of machinery.* During his life, he was en- 



* Colonel Tate died at least thirty-five years since, and at 
that time there was probably not a railroad in America. In 
the Autumn of 1830, a miniature model of a railroad was ex- 



336 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

gaged in planning splendid improvements at tlie 
spring: a ball-room, extending from one hill to 
another, across a ravine; an elegant dining-hall; 
and a company of musicians, who were to play as 
near as possible to perpetual motion ; but, before 
any of his schemes could be accomplished, the 
solemn messenger called him hence. His venerable 
widow survived him many years, dying at a great 
age, during the summer of 1857. 

After the death of Col. Tate, a ball-room and a 
few cottages were erected at the spring, and, during 
the summer of 1828, balls and cotillion parties were 
held there occasionally ; but the last soiree that 
took place there was attended with so awful a 
thunder storm, and the beauties in ball costume 
looked so panic-stricken, besides being deluged 
with water from the roof, the elderly ladies, who 
went as chaperones, concluded that the storm was 
somewhat a judgment on them for seeking pleasure 
out of town, especially as there was a great revival 
of religion at that time going on in all the churches 
of Lynchburg; so that the sound of music and 
dancing has never since that time awoke the echoes 
of the glens and valleys of Tate's Spring. 

hibited at the Franklin Hotel of Lynchburg, and with its per- 
fect, little cars, it was, of course, viewed with great interest 
and curiosity. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 337 



BAPTIST CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG. 

'^Our venerable brother professed religion in the 
twenty-ninth year of his age. ^ Without conferring with 
flesh and blood/ he commenced preaching, immediately 
after his conversion, in the county of Groochland, where 
he spent the first few years of his ministry. He then 
removed to Lynchburg, and was instrumental in gather- 
ing and organizing the Church of that place. His first 
sermon was preached in the Courthouse. '^ 

Religious Herald — Memoir of Elder J. S. Lee. 

The Rev. John Lee was, for a long time, the 
faithful pastor of the Baptist Church in Lynchburg. 
The members of that denomination being few and 
his salary small, it was rendered necessary for him 
to occupy himself during the week as a carpenter, 
an employment rendered more sacred and honorable 
from the circumstance of our Saviour, when on 
earth, laboring with his reputed father and brethren 
at that occupation. Mr. Lee did much good by his 
preaching, but his influence is in a great measure to 
be traced to his mild, peaceable demeanor, and to 
the happy, cheerful disposition of his good wife, 
29 



338 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

•who was a native of Goochland county and a mem- 
ber of one of the best families in that section of 
country. 

That plain old structure, the Baptist meeting- 
house, attracted very few worldly or fashionable 
persons ; yet some who worshiped within its walls, 
were more pure, holy and lovely than could else- 
where be found. Amongst that number was Mrs. 
Susan Massie, a native of Goochland county, and 
a sister of Mrs. John Lee. 

Mrs. Massie had been reared by a devoted aunt, 
and, in her youth, she had enjoyed all the blessings 
and advantages of an unclouded prosperity. Very 
lovely in appearance, courteous and refined in man- 
ners, it is not strange that she should have been 
admired, and her hand sought in marriage by many. 
She became the wife of Gideon Massie, Esq., a 
member of that family, of whom was General Na- 
thaniel Massie, one of the early pioneers of Ken- 
tucky. Some years after their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. Massie settled in Lynchburg, where Mr. 
Massie employed himself in school-teaching ; and, 
though he exerted himself in that occupation, his 
health became bad, so that but for the zeal and 
energy of his wife, his efforts would have been in- 
sufficient for the maintenance of his family. It 
was in this hour of adversity that Mrs. Massie, by 
her patient, cheerful industry placed her family on 
a footing with that of the best and highest in 



OF LYNCHBURG. 839 

Lynchburg. A few tried friends of her youth, and 
the counsel of her pious minister were all she had 
on which to depend ; but calmly trusting in God, 
and cheerfully performing her duties, Mrs. Massie's 
Christian character was doubtless strengthened by 
the trials so patiently borne ; and, in after years, 
she blessed God for the sweet uses of adversity, 
which had been the means of developing in her 
children such shining qualities. She showed them 
the love of God; she taught them, next to a holy 
trust in Him, nothing could so confer happiness 
here, as a diligent pursuit of their calling, a whole- 
some relish and love for their employments. Her 
precepts were blessed, and she lived to see her 
daughters settled in life, and her sons prosperously 
succeeding in business. During a visit to her son 
Richard Massie, Esq., in the summer of 1837, Mrs. 
Massie died in the city of Richmond, calmly re- 
signing her spirit to God, and giving evidence of 
the strength afforded to the believer in the solemn 
hour of death. The sons of Mrs. Massie* survive 
her, and her youngest daughter is a resident of 
Clarkesville, North Carolina. Mrs. Samuel Burch, 
of Lynchburg, well known and beloved there, is a 
younger sister of Mrs. Massie. 

Judging from the intense curiosity and excite- 
ment produced whenever the ordinance of Baptism 

* William 0. Massie, Esq., is a merchant of New York. 



340 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

"was administered, we may infer that the Baptist 
Church at this period made few accessions to their 
numbers. About the year 1819, the whole town 
was thrown into a state of enthusiasm and excite- 
ment by the intelligence that Miss Maria Gray 
was to be baptized, at what was called the Little 
River, and crowds repaired to the spot to witness 
the ceremony. 

On a bright, lovely Sabbath morning, previous to 
the hour of worship, the solemn ordinance took 
place, and the sweet rural scenes on the banks of 
the river, and the rare enjoyment of gathering blue 
bottles and other wild flowers, is still remembered 
with pleasure. Though we had been accustomed to 
seeing this venerable lady almost every week of our 
then brief lives, at that period, yet, when the car- 
riage was seen in the distance bringing her to the 
place of baptism, such was the excitement, that a 
general rush took place to the water side, in unavail- 
ing efforts to get the first glimpse of her, as she de- 
scended from the conveyance; and those who could 
not get near, consoled themselves by a minute ex- 
amination of the hack and driver, which they only 
saw every day, as it was one of the two best hacks 
of which Lynchburg boasted, and which were driven 
by Tom Dyson and Archer Higginbotham. 

Fortunately, the crowd was on land ; for had 
they been standing on boats, many persons must 
necessarily have been precipitated in the water, 



OF LYNCHBURa. 341 

and possibly drowned. Some years later, during 
the ministry of the Rev. Robert Ryland, three 
beautiful young girls* were baptized in the month 
of November, 1829. The interesting ceremony 
took place in the evening, and as they stood in the 
water, their countenances, radiant with holy joy, 
were farther illuminated by the departing rays of 
the sun, and so tenderly impressive was the scene, 
that a bird hovering over them, at this moment, was 
pronounced a dove by one of that excited throng. 

Rev. Dr. Robert Ryland commenced his minis- 
try in Lynchburg about the year 1826 ; and, for a 
brief period, the old Masonic Hall was occupied 
by his society as a place of worship. Dr. Ryland 
was peculiarly adapted to his calling ; his gentle- 
manly, winning ways giving him easy access to the 
hearts of those he wished to impress : and, during 
his residence in Lynchburg, numbers were enrolled 
as members of the Baptist Church, and a bright 
example was afforded by him of all that constitutes 
the Christian minister. During the summer of 
1828, a great work of God was going on in Lynch- 
burg, in all the churchesf — the happiest state of 

* Maria Richardson, (afterwards Mrs. Ryan, of Baltimore,) 
Miss Fair and Miss Rhoda Halsey. 

f There were three young ministers in Lynchburg, at that 
time. Rev. Dr. Ryland, Rev. W. A. Smith, of the Methodist 
Church, and Rev. F. G. Smith, of the Episcopal Church. 



342 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

feeling existed amongst the ministers of the several 
denominations ; and for a time they all felt no rival- 
ry, each being only anxious to advance the kingdom 
of the Redeemer. Many young persons were 
awakened at the Methodist Church by the powerful 
preaching of the Rev. W. A. Smith ; they were 
gently led on and encouraged by the Rev. Robert 
Ryland, who, without any feeling other than that of 
Christian love, witnessed the going over of many of 
their members to the Episcopal Church ; and the 
sunrise prayer-meetings held by him in that old 
Hall were the resort of all, and of many who pre- 
viously had wasted their precious hours in sleep. 
We cannot but believe that those seasons were 
blessed, and that the good seed, then sown, fell into 
many hearts, which, though late in bringing forth 
fruit, still they now look back to that time, and be- 
lieve that the Spirit of God was then striving in 
their hearts. 

A new Church was erected a few doors above 
the Hall, and a singular arrangement was made in 
the interior. The pulpit stood between the two 
front doors, which opened upon the street, and the 
congregation sat facing them ; and it was said that 
the Church was so constructed, to prevent the con- 
gregation turning their heads around on the arrival 
of new comers. So discouraging to the pastor is 
this want of attention, that it would be well if this 
plan were more generally adopted. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 343 

In the year 1830, Dr. Ryland was united in mar- 
riage to Josephine, eldest daughter of the late 
Thomas Norvelle, Esq., of Richmond, and niece of 
the late Captain William Norvelle, of Lynchburg. 
Mrs. Josephine Ryland was a lady of great worth 
and excellence, admirably calculated to adorn the 
Christian life, and by her lovely demeanor to aid her 
husband in winning souls to God. Dr. Ryland was 
appointed President of the Baptist College of Rich- 
mond, and Pastor of the African Church of that 
city. His able course in this literary institution, 
and his devoted piety shown in his preaching to the 
colored population, all these bind him as closely to 
our warm regard as did his conscientious life in 
Lynchburg. His excellent wife survived her re- 
moval to Richmond only a brief period. The fol- 
lowing tribute to her memory appeared at the time 
of her death in 1846, and we feel thankful for the 
privilege of inserting it in this place : 

"Died, on Wednesday evening, the 28th instant, at 
the Richmond College, Mrs Josephine Ryland, the 
wife of Elder Robert Ryland, aged thirty-nine years. 
Mrs. Ryland made a profession of religion about sixteen 
years since in Lynchburg, where her husband was then 
pastor. She had, however, from her childhood been the 
subject of gracious affections, but was constrained from con- 
fessing them, by a naturally timid disposition. From the 
time of her baptism, she was a consistent, devoted and 
useful Christian. The most prominent trait of her reli- 



344 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

gious character was her love of the Bible — she read it 
habitually, methodically, reverently. It sustained her 
midst her trials, and imparted a sweet tranquility to her 
temper, gave her a strong but noiseless trust in the faith- 
fulness of God. As a daughter, she was devoted ; as a 
sister, aiFectionate; as a mother judicious; as a friend, 
unwavering ; as a wife, the heart of her husband could 
safely trust in her. She loved to frequent the courts of 
the Lord's house, and hear the plainest and most heart- 
sccirching exhibitions of truth. From the funds appro- 
priated to her wardrobe, she uniformly reserved a tenth 
for benevolent objects ; but her contributions far exceeded 
the proportion. When she drew near to her end, she 
said she preferred living for the sake of her family, but 
was resigned to the Divine disposal. In her last mo- 
ments she seemed much engaged in prayer, and she was 
free from fear, trusted in the Saviour, but experienced 
no transports. Her death was like her life, calm, thought- 
ful, submissive. She has left four children on earth, and 
gone to be united with four who have preceded her. May 
her meek and quiet spirit, and her self-denying life, be 
imitated by all her surviving friends.'' 



[Since the above was written, the mournful intelligence of 
the death of Elder J. S. Lee has been received. The memory 
of this beloved and excellent man is blended with the days 
of infancy and childhood. Would that our limits permitted 
the insertion of the bcautiul tribute to him in the Religious 
Herald. His excellent wife survives him, residing in Charlotte 
county.] 



OF LYNCilBURa. 845 



SUPERNATURAL VISITORS. 

HAUNTED HOUSE. 

We may ridicule the idea of ghosts or of super- 
natural appearances, but there is in mankind a 
tendency to listen with interest to these recitals, 
and even to take pleasure in them, when they 
make a cold shudder pass over us. It is de- 
scribed as the peculiar delight of Ichabod Crane, 
on long winter nights, to sit by the fireside, listen- 
ing to the awful narratives of the old Dutch wives ; 
whilst a row of apples sputtered and roasted at the 
fire, till his teeth chattered and his hairs stood on 
end, so that, with fear and trembling, he would 
again encounter the deep, gloomy valleys of Sleepy 
Hollow. This fondness for the marvellous and 
supernatural has, at different times, descended on 
the good folks of Lynchburg, as will be perceived 
by the following incidents here recorded: 

Many years since, the late Mr. ****, a profes- 
sional gentleman, was sitting alone in his parlor on 
Sunday night; his family having retired to rest; 



346 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

he "was so deeply engaged in reading as to heed 
nought save the volume in his hand. The front 
door opened noiselessly, and, ere he was aware, a 
tall, pale stranger stood before him, bareheaded 
and clothed in white garments. Great as was his 
surprise, Mr. **** forgot not his usual courtesy, 
but requested the stranger to be seated. "What 
is your name, sir?" said Mr. ****; "and may I 
beg to know if you have business with me?" 
"Sir," said the apparition, "my name is known 
only to the Almighty, who has it written in the 
book of life." "Where are you from, and in what 
direction are you traveling? " " I have no abiding 
city," said the spirit. I came from the uttermost 
part of the earth to-day, and the chariot waits, 
which will to-night convey me I know not whither. 
I have heard of your worth and virtues, and, in 
passing over this place, I determined to tarry with 
you for a brief period." After a little more con- 
versation, the strange being arose, and saying, 
"peace be to this house and all within it," he van- 
ished as noiselessly as he had entered. Mr. *'^** 
was convinced that his guest was insane, and, on 
the following morning, the incident was mentioned 
at the breakfast-table to the family, in the presence 
of the servants ; and going down to Main street, 
his suspicions were confirmed — learning there that 
the man was on his way to the Lunatic Hospital at 
Williamsburg; but, eluding the vigilance of his 



OF LYNCHBURG. BAl 

keepers, he had for a short time escaped, making 
the visit aforesaid to Mr. ****, 

In a few days, the most thrilling story was told 
all over Lynchburg, and not a doubt was thrown 
on its authenticity ; for it was said and confidently 
believed, that Mr. **** had seen and conversed 
with a ghost. Several came in person to this gen- 
tleman, hoping to have the truth of this wonderful 
narrative confirmed, and amongst the number was 
the late Thomas Wiatt, Sr., who confessed himself 
much disappointed, when Mr. **** explained away 
the supernatural, by informing him that his ghostly 
visitor was no other than an escaped maniac. 

This incident was quite forgotten, till about 
twenty-six years since,* when one night, during a 
protracted meeting held in Lynchburg, a preacher 

appeared in the pulpit of church. He bore 

the name of , and as soon as he began to 

speak, he arrested the attention of the congrega- 
tion by his striking address, which, as he proceeded, 
warmed into eloquence, till seeming to lose himself 
completely, he adored his Maker for his mercy, in 
thus permitting a sane man to address in that place 
a congregation ; for, that many years previous, he 
had wandered through those streets a fugitive and 
a lunatic ; and it was supposed by many, that even 
at that time, Mr. ****'s supernatural visitor was 

* It is, in fact, twenty-seven years. 



348 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

somewhat deranged, for his language even then was 
at times wild and incoherent. 



In a lone situation, on the left of the old Metho- 
dist graveyard, is a large white house.* It may 
be seen from almost every point of Lynchburg, 
and when viewed from Courthouse Hill, it seems to 
stand on the horizon. The location of this dwell- 
ing was melancholy, and, consequently, it was hard 
to get it tenanted; and, in fact, it was somewhat 
like "Lant street," in the Pickwick: "the rents 
were seldom collected, and the taxes were dubious." 

At this time it was inhabited by several poor 
families, and the number two, up stairs, was heard 
to declare that strange and awful noises proceeded 
from a small, adjoining room. Their respected 
parent, too, was one day sunning himself in the 
yard, by way of killing time, when a strange man, 
in a voluminous, old-fashioned, white great coat, 
appearing, offered to him the usual salutations with 
great solemnity ; at the same time informing the 
lodger, that he had been murdered and thrown into 



* At the time of its erection, this house laid some claim to 
architectural proportions. It "was built at the same time with 
the house purchased and improved by Mr. William Bailey, but 
now owned and occupied by Mr. Christian. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 349 

the well, which stood in the yard ; and that if he 
would go into the small room adjoining his own, 
that he would find blood, not upon " a dinted 
sword," but on the floor of that small room, which 
had been the scene of his murder. The ghost also 
assured the number two that he should continue to 
walk the earth, like the wandering Jew, until he 
was buried in a Christian manner, and he urged 
the lodger, for the sake of his own soul, to have his 
remains removed from the watery grave in which 
they lay. The story gained ground ; crowds going 
to the house to see the blood-stained floor, and to 
listen to the horrid recital. Some actually paid to 
see the room ; whilst many, at parting, would ofi"er 
a gratuity to the worthy lodger for his work of 
imagination; and, of course, when thus encouraged, 
the narrative improved, fresh horrors being con- 
stantly superadded. But, unhappily for the con- 
clusion of this wonderful romance, the mystery of 
the bloody chamber was unravelled, by its being 
proved to have been the packing-room of a large 
pork dealer; and it was found out, too, that the 
occupant of number two had, on former occasions, 
not been at all scrupulous about telling the truth, 
particularly when any thing could be made by the 
contrary. 

The incident of the self-rocking cradle is of too 
recent date, and the facts too well known in Lynch- 
burg, to need here any comment. Perhaps, the 
30 



350 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

cradle was slightly in advance of the tables of the 
spiritual rappers ; but the science of steam was not 
so perfect, and the mysteries of the telegraph un- 
discovered; therefore, the march of intellect had 
not then arrived at that point that would permit us 
to understand the numerous signs given by this 
most intelligent cradle ; in consequence of which, 
spiritual rapping had there to lay quietly in this, 
its resting place, till brought out, about twelve 
years since, by the Fish family. 



OF LYNCHBURG, 851 



DANIEL SHEFFEY. 

" When we admit the omnipotence, we are bound 
likewise to admit the omniscience of the Deity ; and 
presumptuous, indeed, must that man be who overlooks 
the contractedness of his own intellectual vision, or as- 
serts that, because he cannot see a reason for a supernatu- 
ral interference, none therefore can exist in the eye of 

the Supreme/' 

Barrington. 

Daniel Sheffey was a native of Frederick, 
Maryland ; but, at an early age, emigrating to Vir- 
ginia, he settled in the town of Staunton, where 
entirely by his own exertions, he so arose in his 
profession as to become one of the most distinguish- 
ed lawyers in the State of his adoption, and the 
memory of his active, brilliant, useful career conti- 
nues to throw a lustre not only on his surviving 
family, but yet illumines scenes far in the past of 
long ago, in which he was a participator. 

For some years Mr. Sheifey was a visitor of 
Lynchburg in the months of May and October, at 
which time Judge Creed Tylor there held his Chan- 



852 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

eery courts ; and it is regarded as one of the privi- 
leges of childhood to have seen frequently this 
remarkable man in social converse with those re- 
vered ones who too have since passed away, and who 
at that time so adorned the bar of upper Virginia. 
During the last sitting of the old Chancery Court 
in Lynchburg, Mr. Sheffey was, as usual, in atten- 
dance ; his health appeared perfect, and his brother 
lawyers had never before known his mind more ac- 
tive and discriminating; and knowing that the same 
band would probably never all again assemble in 
the good old town, there was amongst them a pecu- 
tiarly kind feeling, amounting, in some instances, to 
a touching, maidy demonstration of regret, as the 
hour approached when they must forever leave a 
scene endeared by past recollections. Mr. Sheffey 

had dined at the house of Mr. , and towards 

sunset the party adjourned to the Franklin Hotel 
to spend the evening ; and when the fraternity 
parted, after 

" A heart-warm fond adieu," 

Mr. Sheffey with several other gentlemen retired to 
his apartment. In the night he awakened the late 
Peachy Gilmer,* telling him that he had had a most 
distressing dream. Mr. Gilmer told him that there 
was no reliance to be placed in dreams, and per- 

■^ The impression at the time was, that it was Mr. Gilmer, 
though it might have been another member of the bar. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 853 

suaded him to endeavor to compose himself again to 
sleep. In less than an hour, Mr. Sheifey again 
awakened his friend, saying that the same distress- 
ing dream had returned to him, and he would now 
recount it to him. He said : " I dreamed that I 
was on my way to Staunton, and that I stopped for 
a time at my farm in Augusta, some miles from my 
home. I was sitting by the door of the farmhouse, 
when I saw a very singular appearance in the clouds, 
which floated on the air, till the apparition was so 
near as for me distinctly to see and recognize the 
features of my beloved wife, who, with a mournful 
countenance and deep, solemn voice, waved to me 
her hand, saying ^ Farewell, we have parted never 
again to meet on earth.' " 

The morning light dissipated the sombre feeling 
produced by this vision, and it was on the follow- 
ing day spoken of by the friends of Mr. Sheifey, 
who had taken leave of him on his return to Staun- 
ton. In less than three days from this time, the 
intelligence was received in Lynchburg, that Mr. 
Sheifey had died very suddenly at his farm near 
Staunton, never again beholding his happy home 
and devoted family. 



354 SKETCHES AND llECOLLECTIONS 



PHILIP DODDRIDGE. 

" Philip Doddridge, who died at Washington, in 1832, 
■while a member of Congress, was from Wellsburg. He 
was scarcely less celebrated in Western Virginia for his 
eloquence and splendid talents, than was Patrick Henry, 
in his day, in the oldest portions of the State/^ 

Howe's History of Virginia. 

This eminent man occasionally visited the city 
of Lynchburg. He was a member of the Conven- 
tion, held in Richmond, in the winter of 1830, for 
the purpose of revising our Constitution ; and, on 
his way to that city, he for a short time remained 
in Lynchburg, and visited a gentleman there, to 
whom he related the following incident : * 

Governor Poindexter lived to read and reply to 



* The incident is recorded precisely in the words of the 
gentlemfin to whom it was related by Mr. Doddridge, and no 
doubt has ever been thrown on the story. For a detailed 
account of Mr. Doddridge's talents and wonderful literary 
attainments, see Ilowe^s History of Virginia, page 197. 



OF LYNCHBURG. 855 

his own obituaries, some of them not very compli- 
mentary ; and the noble Athelstone, in Scott's 
Ivanhoe, attended his own funeral, and, to use the 
expression of Cedric, was no doubt highly gratified 
at the manner in which it was conducted; whilst 
Mr. Doddridge did not exactly arrive at either of 
these points ; but, after a spell of illness, he was 
supposed by his friends to be dead, and was put in 
all the dread array of the grave for more than 
twelve hours, expecting every moment the arrival 
of his own coffin ; and, whilst listening to the 
agonized moans of his wife, he was unable to give 
the slightest intimation that he was still alive. He 
had, when in health, exacted from her a promise 
that she would not, for thirty-six hours, permit his 
body to be interred, and that, during that time, 
she would use every means for his restoration to 
life. His only hope was in her, and he could dis- 
tinctly hear her entreat the persons sitting around 
to try to revive him ; and how he inwardly shud- 
dered to hear them say to her, that efforts would 
be unavailing, for that the vital spark had certainly 
fled ; but how his heart gave a feeble throb, when 
she, with the firm resolve of a faithful, loving wife, 
persisted in using means until he gave signs of 
life ; and when, in the course of an hour or two, he 
folded her in a rapturous embrace, can our imagin- 
ation picture any thing more thrilling than this 
joyful re-union of a wife with one whom all had 



S56 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

imagined as having passed througli the dark Valley 
of the Shadow of Death ! 

Several who had, at times, kept watch by the 
body of Mr. Doddridge, were quite curious to know 
if he had heard every thing that had occurred 
during his trance; and, on his affirming that he 
had, one of the watchers expressing his disbelief, 
Mr. Doddridge replied : " Sir, I will convince you 
that I did hear ; for whilst you were watching by 
me with your son, you made him repeat the Fourth 
of July oration he is soon to deliver." The confu- 
sion evinced by the gentleman, satisfied all that 
Mr. Doddridge was correct. 

This incident exhibits the impropriety of secular 
conversation being carried on whilst keeping vigil 
over the dead. We know not but that there may 
still be a mysterious sympathy between the immor- 
tal soul and its frail tenement of clay ; we are too 
apt to think that life ceases with the rising and fall- 
ing of the lungs ; but this is not always the case ; 
and even should the spirit have departed, and no 
longer manifest itself outwardly, we are prone to 
think that a great immensity of space is between 
us; whereas, we are told that Heaven is very near 
us, though the veil of flesh prevents our being sen- 
sible of it; and who can say but that "our lost 
friend is still here mysteriously, even as we are 
here mysteriously with God?" 



OF LYNCHBURG. 357 



BURIAL PLACES OF LYNCHBURG. 

PRESBYTERIAN GRAVEYARD — OLD METHODIST BURY- 
ING GROUND. 

" The breezy call of incense-breathing morn, 

The swallows twittering from their straw-built shed ; 
The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn, 
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed." 

For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, 

Or busy housewife ply her evening care ; 
Nor children run to lisp their sire's return, 

Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share." 

Gray's Elegy in a Country Churchyard. 

The most ancient burying ground of Lynchburg, 
was the lot on which now stands the residence of 
Henry Dunnington, Esq. Many of the first in- 
habitants still lie there, though some were removed 
to the Methodist graveyard, which, for a length of 
time, was then the only place of sepulture in Lynch- 
burg. A tablet sacred to the memory of John 
Brown, of Scotland, was removed from the former 
place, and now stands in the Methodist burying 
ground. 

With the exception of the new Cemetery, re- 



358 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

cently organized, the Presbyterian graveyard is 
the most modern place of the sort in Lynchburg. It 
was first established in 1823 or '24, and it was then 
a dreary spot, without shade or verdure, but by 
tender, diligent culture of surviving friends, trees 
have sprung up, waving their leafy branches over 
the resting places of the departed; the grass has 
overspread those sacred enclosures, whilst roses 
have blossomed, resembling, in their beauty, the 
sweet, early day-spring of life, and, in their de- 
caying fragrance, meet emblem of those grateful 
memories of the past, connected with the holy and 
reverenced dead who there repose. 

In this place are many fine monuments, some of 
a gorgeous and costly style ; but there is not one 
which so impresses the passers-by as that of the 
late Mrs. Murrel, of Mount Holly, bearing this 
simple inscription, "To our Mother;" and more 
touching is this simple record of the devoted afiec- 
tion of her children, than even that most celebrated 
work of art, the tomb of Madame Langhans.* 

* The tomb of Madame Langhans, near Berne, in Switzer- 
land, mentioned bj Madame de Genlis, and also a subject of 
one of Mrs. Hemans's small poems. (For description, see Mrs. 
Hemans's poems ; and second volume of " Tales of the Castle," 
by Madame de Genlis.) At the sound of the trumpet of the 
angel Gabriel, the figure of Madame Langhans is represented 
bursting the tomb, her infant children in her arms, and sup- 
posed to be saying *♦ Behold me Lord, -with the children thou 
hast given me !" 



OF LYNCHBURG, 359 

There is mucli in this sacred spot that stirs too 
painfully the past to allow us to linger there, and 
we will leave its hallowed enclosure, to wander 
amongst the graves of those loved ones, over whose 
mournful loss time has gently laid its healing hand. 

The place most consecrated to the memories of 
departed friendship is the old Methodist graveyard 
of Lynchburg. The lonely seclusion of the spot, 
the Sabbath-silence of the surrounding hills, un- 
broken save by the drowsy tinkling wagon-bells, the 
slow, measured chant of the drivers, and the dirge 
sung amid the grove by wandering winds — the tow- 
ering Peaks of Otter, seeming, like the mount of 
God, to overhang the cemetery, whilst the bright 
clouds encircling the summit, vividly suggest the 
gates of Heaven, whose golden portals are ever 
opened wide to admit the glorified spirits of the 
departed. All these surround this burial place with 
holy, cheerful associations, which have served to 
divest sepulchral rites of the gloomy ideas with 
which they are connected. 

The earliest remembrance of death and burial is 
linked with this cemetery. Ann Eliza, the young 
and blooming bride of John Hampden Pleasants, 
was thirty-eight years since here interred ; and, 
whilst yet incapable of understanding that one so 
fair and lovely could die, this solemn scene was 
witnessed. The tones of the venerable pastor were 



860 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

heard in touching accents, and his voice trembled, 
as he told that he had educated her, performed for 
her the marriage ceremony, preached her funeral 
sermon, and now he stood in silent grief, as the 
earth was heaped over the pride of her family as 
well as of her native place ; and schoolmates stood 
around, many giving way to audible grief; and when 
the hillock was raised over Ann Eliza, they turned 
away awe-stricken and bewildered that so short a 
pathway intervened betwixt Time and Eternity. 

Not far oiF may be seen the graves of Mrs. 
Tucker and Rosalie, Mrs. Daniel and Eliza; and, 
at a short distance removed, lies the good and be- 
loved Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan, and, by her side, her 
eldest son Gavin Morgan ; and near at hand is 
the grave of the unfortunate young man, Parham 
Adams, who was killed by the explosion of his soda 
fountain ; whilst, under the shade of spreading 
oaks, is to be seen the stranger's grave.''' She was 
a lovely young wife, only resting in Lynchburg to 
recover strength for a journey to the mountains ; 
but the invalid never reached our healing waters. 
Sinking rapidly under her disease, she died in our 
town, whilst ever and anon her fevered lips mur- 
mured fond words of home and children, whom she 
was destined never more to behold. No stone or 



•* Her name was never told, but her grave is not far from that 
of Mrs. Ann Hancock. 



OP LYNCHBURG. 361 

sculptured marble marks the spot, but her agonized 
husband had her grave enclosed, and, with touch- 
ing affection, he planted around it the fairest and 
sweetest flowers, frail monuments ! which have con- 
tinued to blossom and shed around their fragrance, 
when he that planted and they who nurtured and 
tended, have long since alike reposed beneath the 
clods of the valley. 

About the centre of the graveyard is a tombstone 
sacred to the memory of twin-brothers, born in Cork, 
Ireland. Emigrating to America in all the buoy- 
ancy of hope and youth, they trod together the 
pathway of life, in love and unity, and God in ten- 
der mercy permitted them in death to be undivided. 

On the outside of this burial ground, in a small 
enclosure, lie the remains of Marian Fontaine, wife 
of Dr. Landon Cabell. She died early in the 
winter of 1834, and it was one of her last requests 
that she might here be buried, in sight of the 
beautiful mountains surrounding her native place. 
Cultivated, accomplished and beloved, Mrs. Marian 
Cabell passed away just as she had reached the 
age of twenty-five ; and sweet, though mournful, is 
the recollection of this gifted woman, whose calm 
death-bed was, doubtless, a precursor of that hea- 
venly rest into which she has long since entered, 
and where she now delights in joining the angelic 
choir in ascribing praises to the Most High. 
31 



362 SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS 

Our meditations, at this sacred spot, must now 
come to a close, yet we would fain linger awhile, 
feeling that "it is good to be here," that we may 
draw more instruction from the graves of the just 
and good, long since passed away. Let us for a mo- 
ment, more fully realize that we too shall, ere long, 
lie in the silent grave, and let us examine ourselves 
whether our walk and example are such, that, after 
the lapse of thirty-eight years, they shall be worthy 
of being brought forward as examples worthy of 
imitation. Would that the words here written 
might stimulate all "to press onwards" to the mark 
of their high calling, making them sensible that no 
one, ever so obscure, can live in the world, without 
possessing some influence for good or ill. 

May the daughters of Lynchburg endeavor to 
imitate the diligence, industry and simplicity of 
those gone before, so that in future years, eighteen 
hundred and fifty-eight may be remembered as the 
time when a strong will was put forth to resist the 
allurements of luxury and fashion, and when the 
cultivation of mind and heart was considered para- 
mount; and when, mingled with countless bless- 
ings, trials and adversities, incident to mortal exist- 
ence, were patiently and cheerfully borne, and 
with the eye of faith even welcomed by believers as 
so many phases of human life, designed by an all- 
wise. Heavenly Father for the promotion of our 
spiritual progress ; and should the preceding chap- 



OP LYNCHBURG. 363 

ters have made the smallest impression, they will 
not have been written in vain. 

" Lo! Tyliat a cloud of witnesses 
Encompass us around ! 
Those once like us by suffering tried, 
But now by virtue crowned. 

Let us, with zeal like theirs inspired. 

Strive in the Christian race ; 
And, freed from every weight of sin, 

Their holy footsteps trace. 



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